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Day Two: Staying Connected

Welcome to Brad Formsma’s Wow Factor Leadership Devotional, where conversations with today's extraordinary business leaders will bring you Words of Wisdom to help you grow in business and beyond. Read this short devotional, or listen to Brad read it on audio by tapping here.

In yesterday’s devotional, we looked at the life-changing power of leading by example.

In that same conversation with David Green, I asked what advice he would give to young leaders who are still beginning their careers. I hoped he’d have an encouraging word of wisdom for them…and I was right! David immediately brought up Colossians 2:23, and its call for us to work with all our hearts—no matter the job—as if our boss is Jesus.

What makes that so profoundly helpful is that it gives young leaders two advantages. First, it develops the good habits leaders will need later in their careers. As David reflects in the podcast, a young leader probably isn’t ready for what God is planning for them down the road. They need training. Sometimes a lot of training. And so working as if our boss is Jesus helps us develop the character traits and skills that will be vital in the future.

Second, and more importantly, working with all our hearts, as if our boss is Jesus, helps clarify calling. Most of us don’t discover our calling on the first day of our first job. In fact, many of us don’t discover our calling until much later in life. But by staying connected to God every step of the way, we will be able to hear his guidance. After all, God is a God of process. He often puts us somewhere because he wants to take us somewhere. Every job we have will form us in unexpected ways, provided we view them as both gifts from God and as ways to know God more.

Career “success” rarely happens overnight. In fact, the more willing we are to be led by God in our careers, the more likely our definition of success will be changed for the better.

We can’t afford to get ahead of God. Following the instruction of Colossians 2:23 means keeping our eyes open to what God is doing now, rather than dreaming of our ideal future. Working with all our hearts, no matter the job, is often the best way for God to show us places we never dreamed we could go.

To Consider

Have you ever felt stuck in a work or career situation? How did it resolve or not?

Do you think your vision for your future aligns with God’s vision for your future? Why or why not?

To Pray

God, help me align the vision of my life with the will of Your heart. Give me the wisdom to focus on doing my best work today, and trusting You for my future. Amen.