God has been teaching me to see my career as something that’s not mine. Rather, just like everything else in life, it’s all about Jesus. But wouldn’t it be a lot easier to know what Christ expects from us at our jobs if He would show up one day in the break room or by the water cooler?

Luke 5:1-11 tells of a time when He did just that. He showed up at work and turned one man’s life upside down. Simon Peter’s response to Jesus holds valuable lessons for us today as we seek to make much of Him where we work.

Make your job a platform for Jesus: “Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat” (5:3).

In Peter’s case, his livelihood—his fishing boat—became a literal platform for Jesus, but every one of us has the opportunity to glorify Christ at our jobs. As we consistently show a watching world excellent work, a thankful heart, and calm in the midst of a stressful day, we declare the goodness of our King. We should also be prepared to give those around us a reason for the hope we have. As opportunities arise and relationships grow, we must not be afraid to share Jesus with others.

Remember that Jesus is your real Boss. “When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.’ And Simon answered, ‘Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets’” (5:4-6).

Peter was an experienced fisherman. He knew the best places, best times, and best methods for catching fish. Luke tells us he and his fellow fisherman had worked all night and caught nothing. On top of that, they had just cleaned their nets. Their day was over; they were tired and probably wanted to go home. But remarkably, Peter—without objection—obeyed Jesus and put his boat out into the lake to try again.

Many of us have been on the same career path for a long time. We may even be experts in our chosen field. We certainly don’t need to be told how to do our job. But just like Peter, as Jesus’ followers, we must be willing to listen to His voice—to drop what we’re doing and change direction “at his word” (5:6). I’ve never met anyone who has regretted the decision to yield their career to Jesus. And while it may not be with net-breaking catches of fish, we are always blessed when we obey Jesus.

Be willing to leave in order to follow. “Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.’ And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him” (5:10-11).

My father celebrated over 40 years with the same company, but he’s a dying breed. We change jobs, and fairly often. But would you consider changing your career path if Jesus called you to do so? Part of giving your career over to Jesus is giving it entirely over to Him. So whether He calls you to stay in your current job until you’re 75 or He calls you to the mission field next Tuesday, it’s all in His hands.

If you’ve never surrendered your 9-to-5 to Jesus, spend some time with Him today and ask Him to show up at work.

Additional Resources

The Blueprint for Life eight week study will help you discover the life you were born to live in five areas- spiritually, relationally, financially, physically, and career! The study contains a workbook and ten messages featuring Andy Stanley, Louie Giglio, Tony Evans, John Maxwell and others. Available for digital download.  Click here to check it out!