You are created for a purpose. In essence, this is the very reason you and I are here, within this moment of time.
God, in His infinite wisdom, has brought you into being, and has invited you into His world of plans and purposes, to be a distinct and destined part of His will. Isn’t that amazing to think about?
I don’t know about you, but I wonder sometimes if I am even able to fill my own shoes. It is such a high and holy calling we have in Christ Jesus. Can I really “step” into Almighty God’s purposes for my life?
God is calling each one of us into the purpose that He alone has placed within us. Within this kingdom of God, filling and fulfilling our purposed place in Christ’s kingdom is certainly essential.
But so often, so many vital positions are left vacant, creating open, vulnerable spaces—”holes” within otherwise holy places—that the enemies of God can exploit.
“Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38)
There is a tinge of sadness in these words, spoken by Jesus.
If the “harvest” (of souls) is truly “plenteous” (great, ripe, or full) then why aren’t a lot more workers heading into the fields? After all, there’s plenty of work for everyone.
Could a lot of Christians today just rather stay unemployed? Are most of us uncaring, or unwilling to labor?
I’m sure that some will feel that way. But I believe that many of us—who are both willing and able to be counted among God’s work force—are feeling something else.
Unqualified and uncertain.
Unqualified is that awful feeling of inadequacy when you’re hoping for a position. You may feel that you lack training, or that you don’t have enough former experience. Or maybe you have some raw talents, but nothing has really been tried or tested.
Uncertainty is rooted in fear. Fear of failure. Fear of not measuring up to expectations.
So, what good employer is going to take an unqualified and uncertain person seriously?
Surprisingly God—the Kingdom workforce CEO—has a wonderful hiring plan.
In fact, He been hoping you might drop in today. You—with your short, unimpressive resume’. You—with your hopes and dreams and not much more.
God has a totally upbeat hiring strategy—not based on your skills or current expertise, but more about your availability and willingness.
God is the ultimate equal-opportunity employer. He’ll take on anyone who’s got real potential.
And believe me, He knows your potential.
Just like He knew Paul’s.
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14)
Paul, who penned this verse and much of the New Testament, wasn’t always the great Apostle Paul. He was once called Saul, but his name had been changed. His road map had been rewritten. And his very reason for living had been repurposed.
And Paul wasn’t going to let Hell or high water keep him away from the greatest invitation he had ever received—to come alongside of his Lord and Christ, and step into the “high calling” that he was so purposed to fill.
Notice that he didn’t try to pretend to be qualified for the position. Instead, he understood that he must leave behind a lot of useless information he had once relied on for past positions.
That was all for yesterday. But in the light of a new day in Christ, he left the past behind, and pressed into a new and living training process, based upon surer promises and a God-given future.
And Paul never looked back. Why should he? Christ Jesus was always there before him.
Paul was an amazing person. But this calling from God—for workers in His kingdom—was not unique to Paul.
A potential position is being held open to be filled, by you, within God’s eternal kingdom.
Are you qualified?
God’s Qualifications for Service
In our modern societies, we tend to think of getting a complete education, and then bringing that knowledge and expertise into the workplace. Then we are finally good enough and gifted enough to start.
But God has a better way, and better reasons for what He plans, where “qualifications” equal godly qualities—not just quantities.
Godly qualities for service are essential from our very first day on the job. But God knows that the quantities of knowledge and experience we will need, will certainly come in time—through His process within us. He’s not worried about quantities, as long as we possess the qualities.
Here are some of the essentials, found in scripture, for any position in Christ’s service. You may immediately notice how very basic and foundational these requirements really are.
1. You must be willing to work (within a varied work schedule.)
2. You must be willing to learn (and utilize what you have learned.)
3. You must be able to listen well (and heed what you hear.)
4. You must be faithfully committed to your trusted position (willing to get up each new day and do it all over again.)
5. You must be instant (ready to respond) in season and out. (This is not a seasonal position.)
6. You must be willing to be on call 24/7. (This is not a part-time position.)
7. You must be willing to accept some overtime, without any more pay (and yes, you might be needed on weekends or holidays.)
Now that you have read the basic qualifications for any new openings in God’s righteous kingdom, I hope that you will still find the courage to inquire within.
Of course, there are many varied positions of service in God’s eternal kingdom. But there are four positions in particular, that I believe are greatly needed and always understaffed.
Their list and job descriptions will follow.
See if you can recognize yourself in any one of these. And if you can, you just might find the opportunity that God’s been waiting to show you.
Let His Holy Spirit guide you through this process. He truly is the best at job placement because He knows your strengths and your weaknesses.
And He knows just how to use them.
The Reluctant Leader
You might not be aware of it, but this is a key position in the body of Christ.
And it often goes unfilled. Or it is filled by someone who was never truly suited for such a position.
When we think of reluctant leaders in the Bible, we find people such as Gideon, Moses, or even the Apostle Peter.
These are just a few examples of men or women who were called upon by God to serve in a capacity they did not feel equipped to fill. But they said “yes” to God’s purposes, and were given a great assignment—to work right along side the Master Planner.
Let’s try to make something clear right from the first: position opportunities in the kingdom of God are a calling, and not to be treated merely as some job opening that are filled by only the most charismatic of personalities.
Sadly, too many misplacements have already occurred within the body of Christ—leaving a lot of qualified workers left on the sidelines.
Leadership will certainly involve a proper sense of ego, but self-reliance or self-assurances only get us so far.
God is not interested in our sense of self-importance. In fact, He finds it a deterrent to job performance.
The reluctant leader is actually God’s first choice for His leadership position, because the reluctance of the would-be leader demonstrates a certain amount of weakness—a healthy distrust of himself or herself to be a leader. And this gives God the opportunity to call such a leader into position.
God is not looking for self-reliance. He is looking for God-dependence. He prizes the person who is directly dependent upon the Source—the Holy Spirit—for life and strength.
Honestly, God is really after the “inadequate” in each of us, so that His strength can be produced and demonstrated through us. He often takes the “loser” and wonderfully creates His winner.
God is not looking for winners. He makes them.
He only needs you to be reachable, teachable, trainable, and moldable within His very capable and creative hands.
Maybe you’ve set out with a mind full of self-determination.You could be planning to turn the world upside down with your wondrous knowledge, insightful wisdom, and unstoppable capabilities.
You might want to reconsider.
Because God’s leadership roles are tailor made for the humble of heart, and for the person who is much more confident with God at the helm. This kind of individual is the truer fit for this demanding, but quite rewarding, leadership position.
The reluctant leader is a learner and a listener first, then finally a doer—always understanding who is running the show.
He/she has learned (sometimes the hard way) not to get out ahead of God—with personal desires always second to the Master’s.
The reluctant leader faithfully passes along what he/she has received from the Holy Spirit, who leads them into all truth (just as He promised).
This kind of leadership is invaluable within God’s kingdom.
The Lord—our Wise employer—always recognizes great potential, when humility comes looking for its place.
Want to enhance your hireability as a leader? Become a servant. Trust God on this one. It works every time.
“But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.” (Mark 10:42-44)
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)
The Essential Encourager
Encouragers are another greatly needed position in God’s workforce.
Unfortunately, many qualified workers side-step or fail to seek out such a position, because it is hard to define. Or so it would seem.
Actually, truth-centered encouragement is actually pretty straightforward.
To be an encourager does require a good deal of on-the-job training. This is always Holy Spirit led and, if diligently followed, proves quite successful. And it can be quite rewarding as the fruits of your labors are realized.
To be a candidate for such a position, one must have a reasonable understanding of what encouragement really is, and is not.
“And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness:
from such withdraw thyself.” (1 Timothy 6:2-5)
This is a hard word. But it makes its point.
While some might imagine encouragement to just be another means to win others over to their own particular ideas or arguments, this is not what encouragement really does.
Rather, it seeks to establish the word of truth and godliness above any other personal ideas.
Thinking and reasoning too far outside of the gospel “box” invites misunderstandings, arguments, and strife. And this is certainly outside the position’s parameters.
Someone suited with a gift of encouragement should also be someone who is normally able to be encouraged himself. He/she must know how to receive, as well as to give.
An encourager is a listener first, and a speaker second—waiting to know the details of situations before weighing in with an answer. And he prepares himself to utilize his God-given wisdom.
“Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (Colossians 2:7-8)
There are plenty of “spoilers” out there—self-motivated people who add confusion to a searching heart, or a troubled mind.
God is not looking for the self-appointed individual—even if they are well-meaning—to become encouragers. The world already is full of people like that.
The Christian attitude must stem from the humility set forth by Christ Himself, as our faithful example.
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20)
Patience and truth are our best tools in this authoritative position.
A kind word spoken at the right moment is certainly powerful. However, this can not simply be flattery.
The Holy Spirit must be relied upon to lead the encourager. This is a process of trusting and being sensitive to His leading.
The encourager must keep a guard on his heart and on his words. Righteous words will come out of a righteous heart.
This is why the wise and well-trained encourager is worth his or her weight in gold.
Friend, feel free to inquire about this trusted position in God’s eternal order of workmanship. But do understand that it entails a lifestyle (and a lifetime) of learned and loyal expertise.
The encourager must represent his Lord and Master with his heart, his words, and his actions.
“They helped every one his neighbour; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage.
So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smootheth with the hammer him that smote the anvil, saying, It is ready for the sodering: and he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved.” (Isaiah 41:6-7)
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15)
The Emerging Evangelist
The evangelist position is quite possibly the least understood of all the job titles, and therefore becomes the least—and often, the last—to be filled.
Though a critical part of the body of Christ, and biblically established as one of the “five-fold” ministries in the church, this position is often overlooked and undervalued.
If this were healthcare, and the church could be viewed as a hospital, we might think of the office of Apostle as the head administrator. The offices of prophet and teacher might be viewed as administrative or instructional departments. And the pastor might be more of a general practitioner, making his rounds, or even opening his own practice within the community.
But the evangelist isn’t like any of these.
The emerging evangelist is a vanishing breed because the church (hospital) has lost sight of the position’s significance. Yet his expertise is needed now more than ever.
Thankfully, God is always ahead of our changing times. And the evangelist position is steadily emerging now, into what was God’s original intended purpose: to encounter the stranger, rather than preaching to the choir.
Again using the healthcare example, the evangelist today emerges as the paramedic, or first responder.
The evangelist utilizes preaching, teaching, and exhorting, but it is all hinged upon a triage mentality. Emergency procedures is what he is all about.
You’ll find him there, at the scene of a tragedy, giving life support to the injured and dying.
Without his vital services, many of the critically ill and seriously wounded would never see the inside of the hospital (the church).
Today, his unofficial duties might be that of a street preacher, proclaiming truth above the noise. Or she could be someone who simply stands in the gap—praying and watching for opportunities, within the intersections of life—as the busy and the burdened pass by.
He or she could be that person handing out gospel tracts, and maybe some food or water. Or they may quietly present a message of love, and hope to the hopeless.
The evangelist will often be a “highways and byways” kind of minister, without fanfare or accolades. It’s often a thankless position, and sometimes confrontational. And given the tone of our present day society, this position may one day be declared unlawful.
“As it is written in the prophets, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.
The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.” (Mark 1:2-5)
God’s “messenger,” John the Baptist, could be thought of as the first evangelist, as he cried out to the common people to repent of their sins, and to be baptized upon their confession.
“And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour.
There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (John 4:4-7)
Christ Jesus was certainly the Son of God. But without a doubt, He also served as a great evangelist to the masses—going far from His planned route, to Samaria, to reach one conflicted woman at Jacob’s well. And thus, he was able to reach an entire community with salvation and hope.
“And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.” (Acts 21:8)
Phillip was an evangelist. Imagine his home life, having four daughters who were all known for prophesying!
“And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24-26)
“And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2 Timothy 4:4-5)
In these words from the Apostle Paul, young Timothy was certainly being groomed for an evangelist position, among other things.
Now in the last stages of his ministry, Paul writes down his priorities for Timothy:
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15)
What about you? Have you got what it takes for this important and frontline position in emergency ministry? The stamina? The discipline? The compassion? God will grow these qualities within you, if you ask Him.
The working conditions aren’t so pretty. The hours might be long, or out in the weather. The compensation, in this life, will be insignificant.
But the eternal benefits package is truly out of this world.
So if dreams of a career as an emerging evangelist makes your heart beat a little faster, why not prayerfully consider this for your next career move.
One thing is for sure, vacancies for the vital position of evangelist are currently and critically available.
The Watchman On The Wall
The watchman position must never be taken lightly. This important field of Kingdom work must not be sought after as just any other 9 to 5 position. It is anything but that.
Lives literally depend upon the skills of the watchman. Those who pay attention are well prepared in times of trouble. And those who dismiss or ignore the watchman are not.
The watchman is a warner.
A sentry of service at your post, you’ll be guarding others with your own life. And you’ll gladly be doing it, because that is the heart of the watchman.
The seeker of such a position must first check his or her heartfelt attitudes.
You could be self-described as “wary, but hopeful”. In other words, you are attentive to all things, but afraid of very little. Your trust is in God, no matter what you see.
Other attributes might be, but not limited to: vigilant, trustworthy, alert, disciplined, sure-footed and sure-sighted, capable, brave and curious.
The watchman’s position is a waiting position; his/her strength is a methodical exercise in patience.
“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” (James 5:7-8)
You must learn to study the landscape of life repeatedly, and often redundantly—enabling you to sense any sight or sound of trouble upon the horizon.
You’ll watch, as you discern the night hours, the times, and the seasons. And when danger is found, you then faithfully and forcefully sound the alarm.
Distraction will be one of your constant enemies. You must overcome it at all cost. And you can never allow yourself to fall asleep when you should be watching.
Because of the nature of this job, you must learn to see and to hear well, outside of your human senses. This will directly involve the Holy Spirit’s keen capabilities, to aid you with much needed spiritual perception.
This is not a position for the faint of heart. Serving as a watchman is often a lonely job. Often you’ll be watching from an elevated and vulnerable post.
The fiery darts of the enemy can be a constant hazard, and there is always the danger of being “picked off.” You’ll learn to put on the full armor of God with each new working day.
With your elevated position comes strength and knowledge, so you’ll be greatly feared by your enemies.
Yes, you will be the target at times. But the implications of holding such a position upon the wall are immense. Because of your capabilities as a watchman, you are strategically placed on the “wall”—a barrier between life and death for those you watch over.
Your warning in the night hours becomes a hindrance to the ill-intentioned stranger, while others trustfully rest under your watchful command.
Should you decide to apply for this daring and dangerous position of watchman on the wall, you will immediately be enrolled in an intense training program, to test your metal, as God’s process of fiery trials effectively turns your rust into gold.
“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” (1 Peter 4:7)
“Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.” (Luke 12:37)
Further examples of this clear and urgent mandate to be a watchman:
“For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Go, set a watchman, let him declare what he seeth.” (Isaiah 21:6)
“So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me.” (Ezekiel 33:7)
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” (Ephesians 6:18)
“Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6)
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17)
Interested? Apply Within.
All applicants need only inquire at a Holy Spirit job fair—wherever you are, with your knees on the floor.
Bring Him your completed application—your willing and humble heart. He will get you started in one of the most exciting and rewarding career choices a Christian can hope to find.
Whoever you are, or wherever you find yourself today, you’re a prime candidate for a life-changing position in God’s eternal kingdom.
He requires no previous experience, but only a changed and challenged heart.
A servant’s heart.
Positions are open everywhere for serious, willing workers. These examples are just a few of the many important and worthwhile opportunities available to you from your loving employer—Christ Jesus our Lord.
Find your destiny right now within the want ads of scripture. Listen and learn from them, as they begin to call your name.
Sit at your Master’s feet and get to know the One you’ll be working for. He’s definitely got a job for you, and He’s been waiting some time to welcome you into the workforce.
Yes, you.
You—with all of those doubts and fears. You, with your past.
Remember what Paul did? He forgot those things behind, and pressed forward. You do the same.
Because there’s a desperate, hurting world out there, that is just waiting for you to step forward into service. And there’s a mighty King, who hopes to soon hear you say “Here am I, Lord. Send me.”
Seek Him, find Him, and follow Him wherever He leads.
Because Christ Jesus needs you. Now.
“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4)