I’m thinking of entering professional ministry,” a young man said to me. “What do you want to do?” I asked him. “I’m not sure,” he replied, “but I want to do something in ministry full-time. I want God to use my life and don’t see much opportunity for that in my work.”

I didn’t get into a lengthy discussion with him since his remark was casually made in passing. It did remind me again, though, of the deception that so many Christians have fallen for in regard to their work. Like this young man, they think that the routine work on their job isn’t that spiritual, compared to those who are pastors, missionaries, etc.

This common viewpoint is a ploy of the enemy to dilute the effect of Christ expressing His life through the lives of believers. The truth is that your profession, no matter what it may be, it is holy. Whether you are a teacher, a doctor, a clerk, a salesman – it makes no difference. Your work is holy because of who you are.

The word holy means “set apart.” One of the greatest deceptions that has ever slipped into the minds of Christians is the idea that there is a difference between secular and sacred. Everything is sacred to the believer. The word “sacred” comes from the Latin, sacrum, which denotes something which is uncommon because of its intimate association with the Divine.

Christians are those who have become one with God through Jesus Christ. Everything in our lives is intimately associated with Him through our relationship to Him, thus making it sacred. Because Christ lives through you, all that you do becomes sanctified (made holy) because He is the One doing the work through you. Nothing is secular (common) to you because you are uncommon yourself.

The ground where Moses stood beside the burning bush was holy ground because God was there. The utensils used in the temple were holy because they were set apart to be used in service to Him. Your professional career is the context within which you have been placed to express Christ’s life for at least one third of your time each day. Consequently, your work is a holy endeavor.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ servants doing what God wants you to do” (Ephesians 6:6, The Message). When a pastor preaches or a missionary evangelizes or a seminary professor teaches, each is holy work. However, it is equally as holy when a Christian lawyer tries a case, or a salesman makes a sale or an OTR driver drives his truck. It’s all holy because it has been sanctified by the Christ who indwells you.

So, whatever you do, see it as a ministry to your heavenly Father! In The Practice of the Presence of God, the monk, Brother Lawrence wrote: “The time of business does not with me differ from the time of prayer, and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the blessed sacrament.” Whether it is washing dishes or taking communion, it is all holy to the one whose life is Jesus Christ.

Don’t view your work as secular. See it for what it is – a holy expression of Christ’s life within you in the marketplace. To understand your responsibilities this way will elevate them to their rightful place as a vehicle through which you may glorify God.