A Short Theology of Job Searching
Finding a job does not bring me a lot of joy. Yet experiencing joy in the search for a job is something I am hoping to intentionally cultivate. I think this article can reorient you and me to do so. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Seek the Kingdom of God first, and do not worry (Matthew 6:25-34).
When I was a kid, my mother always encouraged me to study hard. Study like you wanted a100%, and maybe you’d get a 93%, a 96%, or a 98% - all acceptable A grades. However, if you were content with getting a 70%, you might end up getting a 65%, which is an F, instead of a passing D grade.
The same holds true for participating in the life of the Kingdom of God. When you first seek the Kingdom of God and its revelation on earth, God promises to give you everything that you need. This is not to say you should seek the Kingdom of God so that God will provide for you.
Rather, as you seek God’s Kingdom, you are setting your mind on the things of heaven, and not on things of this earth (Colossians 3:1). As you do this, God is faithful to His promises and will supply you with everything you need according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:20).
With that said, pray for the will of God to be done on earth (Matthew 6:10); seek after God, and follow Him wholeheartedly (Hebrews 11:6); trust that God is faithful to His word, then watch and see what He does (Psalm 50:15).
Cast your cares unto the Lord, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
Again, I’m going to be honest with you. It can be hard searching for jobs, because you know throughout the process, different things can happen. You might get a uniform email saying your application has been received, with no other follow-up.
You might be interviewed, only to be rejected (raise of hands, anyone?). You might be rejected without even receiving an interview. (This actually happened to me recently!) Multiply this by 10+ job applications, and it begins to take a toll on your soul.
In moments like these, cast your cares before God. God sees you in your pain, and He delights in showing mercy to you (Micah 7:18). The Amplified Translation of 1 Peter 5:7 says that God cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. He is attentive to your cries and He is vigilant. Pour out your heart before Him, for He is a refuge for you (Psalm 62:8).
In your job search, do everything to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Whether you are updating your resume, writing a new cover letter, or interviewing over zoom, do everything for God’s glory. If you are offered the job for which you are interviewing, go and represent God as an ambassador of the Kingdom of Heaven.
In practice, this means you practice interviewing so you are prepared. Dress your best according to the company culture (that’s especially important if your interview is in-person).
You may want to research the company beforehand so the interviewer knows you are serious about the opportunity and have researched their values and mission statement.
The key here is that you aren’t doing these things merely to make money and advance in your career. You are also serving as a representative of God who brings glory to Him by using your time, talent, and treasure to serve people no matter what you do!
In the end, pray.
If you get a new job, thank God, keeping in mind that this job is a gift from Him (1 Corinthians 4:7; James 1:17). If you are still searching, pray for what you need, knowing He hears you and will provide for you (Matthew 6:32-33; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; 3 John 1:2; 1 John 5:14; John 10:10).
This is easier said (written?) than done. This orientation to job searching is admittedly different, but it is so worth it. Trusting God to provide for me has helped me feel more at peace about the job search process, instead of frantic like I used to be.
Even though I have to fight feelings of worry regularly, I still know and believe that God will provide for me. He will do the same thing for you. I hope this encourages you greatly.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ozi Ojukwu is a girl who is learning everyday what it means to fall deeper in love (devotion) with God. A graduate of Cedarville University and an intern at her local Legal Aid society, she loves reading books, writing poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction to glorify God (check out her Instagram at @prosophilesvox), and listening to Christian music in a wide variety of genres. Her hope is that every Christian would revel in the reality that they are sons and daughters of God and thus live in love instead of fear.