Leveraging Your Position for Kingdom Impact
“She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” – Acts 16:14 (NIV)
In the book The Monk and the Merchant, Terry Felber shares powerful insights on how God uses both those in vocational ministry (the monks) and those in business (the merchants) to advance His Kingdom. Both have unique opportunities to honor God through their callings.
Consider Lydia in the Bible—a successful merchant dealing in purple cloth. Her position and resources weren’t obstacles to faith; instead, they became her greatest opportunity to serve the Kingdom. Lydia leveraged her business success to provide hospitality, support, and resources for the Apostle Paul and the early church. She understood that marketplace success could become a powerful tool for God’s work.
But I didn’t always see it that way.
Early in my career in banking and pharmaceutical sales, I viewed my jobs strictly as secular roles—separate from my faith. At the time, I missed countless opportunities to glorify God, share my faith authentically, and impact others spiritually. I regret that my narrow thinking prevented me from seeing those roles as opportunities to honor God in meaningful ways.
What if every job—every position—was seen not just as employment but as a strategic opportunity to build God’s Kingdom?
How to Leverage Your Current Opportunities
- Shift Your Perspective:
- Every career, from ministry to marketplace, has divine purpose.
- View your role as part of your ministry, not separate from it.
- Recognize the Platform You Already Have:
- Lydia used her marketplace influence to serve the early church. How can you use your influence right now to impact others spiritually?
- Identify Your Resources:
- Like Lydia, consider your resources—time, talents, finances, connections—as opportunities to further God’s work.
- Be Intentional:
- Seek daily opportunities to reflect Christ through integrity, compassion, and generosity. Small, intentional actions can lead to significant Kingdom impact.
Reflection Questions
- Looking back, have you missed opportunities to leverage your position for God’s glory?
- What resources or influence do you currently possess that could be intentionally used for Kingdom impact?
- How might your daily work or relationships change if viewed as strategic opportunities from God?
Final Thought
Your career—whether as a banker, salesperson, entrepreneur, or minister—is not simply a means of income. It’s a divine placement filled with opportunities to make a lasting Kingdom impact. Don’t miss your “Lydia moments.” Embrace where you are today as an opportunity to honor God and advance His mission.
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