Occupation vs. Profession: Discover God's Purpose in Your Work

In this episode, we dive deep into the difference between a mere occupation and a true profession, exploring how God has uniquely designed each of us for a specific purpose in our work. Whether you’re feeling stuck in a job or seeking a more fulfilling career path, we unpack what it means to align your work with God’s calling on your life. Join us as we discuss practical steps to discover your God-given gifts, pursue meaningful work, and transform your occupation into a mission-driven profession that serves others and honors Him.

Tune in for inspiration, encouragement, and biblical wisdom to help you thrive in your work and faith journey!

Transcript

Podcast Episode: Occupation vs Profession

[00:00:00]

[00:00:00] Intro

[00:00:00] "Do you see someone skilled in their work? Because they will serve before Kings. They will not serve before officials of low rank." We find this in Proverbs 22:29, and that is precisely what I want us to focus on this episode of ProFAITHssional Favor. I want us to look at the differences between having an occupation and a profession, and also examine some of the biblical examples that we find of both, and really try to figure out what it is that we can take, what insights we can learn from those biblical examples.

[00:00:28] Because believe it or not, the Bible has a lot to say about professionalism. And lastly, I, I want us to really reflect upon the role that God's anointing plays upon our occupations or professions. So without further ado, 

[00:00:44] Dear proFAITHsional, this is a podcast to share God's favor over your work life while I offer you a professional favor.

[00:00:51] Although faith without works is dead, sometimes we do our job and our work without faith. So I wish to inspire, motivate, and encourage us to grow [00:01:00] our faith in the midst of our job and work environment. So thanks for listening. 

[00:01:05] Defining Occupation and Profession

[00:01:05] So in order for us to understand the difference between an occupation and a profession, we must really look at the definition of both. And so let us start with an occupation. An occupation, if you think about it what does that sound like? That sounds like, oh, like the word being occupied.

[00:01:20] And when we are occupied with something, that means that we're really doing something, something that is taking up our time and it's really taking up space in our day. Now an occupation, the way that we're going to define this is that it is a job or a trade that a person engages in Primarily to earn a living. Now this often focuses on tasks and duties rather than higher expertise or specialized skill training.

[00:01:48] So in the Bible, we find a couple of occupations, believe it or not, and just some to name a few that were very important to the narrative in the Bible are shepherds fishermen and tent makers. And we'll talk [00:02:00] about some of these here later on, but just keep those in mind.

[00:02:03] Now, in our present world, some of the occupations that we can maybe just to name a few, we have a catcher, someone that you will encounter at any given restaurant or a retail space. We have construction workers, delivery drivers, housekeepers, security guards. So these are really occupation, things that people do, right?

[00:02:22] Right? They are tasks, they are duties, maybe that people might have in order for them to earn a living, to cover their expenses for life, one might say. 

[00:02:31] Now, on the other side of things, we have a profession. And a profession is a vocation that requires specialized knowledge and formal training and really the commitment to continuous improvement. That's very important. 

[00:02:45] Now, it's not just about the task, but it's also the attitude, the expertise, the ethics and dedication to excellence that a person brings to whatever it is that they do. 

[00:02:56] Now in the Bible, we also have some examples of a [00:03:00] couple of professions. And just to name a few, we have teachers, we have prophets, we have priests, and we have skilled artisans. So, We're going to talk about a few of those here in a minute. 

[00:03:10] But in our present world, some of maybe the most recognized, or just, just to name a few of the top of our head, some of the professions that we can, we might be able to name our doctors, lawyers, engineers, architects, and teachers too, right?

[00:03:23] So each one of those requires some formal training and specialized knowledge in order for them to do what they do on a daily basis.

[00:03:34] Really the difference there that we need to look at is that an occupation is often seen as a means to an end, right? It is just a way for someone to earn an income while a profession also Allows someone to earn an income we're going to see that that's really driven by a combination of skill, passion, and a sense of purpose. So there's something deeper that happens at the profession, at the professional level, right?

[00:03:57]

[00:03:57] Defining Occupation and Profession

[00:03:57] Now, the good [00:04:00] stuff is that the Bible has so much to say about occupations and also professions. If you've never thought about this, just think about what all the different characters that you might encounter in the Bible, what they did. And what do we know about them kind of on their day to day? 

[00:04:17] So one that I want us to, to highlight is the shepherd, that as a profession. And one of the best known shepherds in the Bible is David, David's occupation, he started out when we first encountered him, he was a shepherd. And so we know that later he became a King, he was anointed and he did some amazing things, but really the very first thing we know about him is that He was a shepherd. He tended his father's sheeps. And so his occupation really is what he did on a day to day basis before he went on to be anointed and, and then to defeat Goliath and also become king.

[00:04:57] So although his occupation was [00:05:00] really humble, we know that his anointing really gave him the courage and the skill to eventually he led the nation. He took him a couple of years, but he did it nonetheless. And along the way, you know, I've even heard something really funny that I even heard a preacher once say that, David, out of all the occupations, he was even a delivery boy because we also find him, before He encounters Goliath,

[00:05:22] he, David is the one sent on an errand to deliver food to his brothers in the field. And so, I mean, just think about when you read his story next time, look through all the different things that he did, and then try to really match them to different occupations or professions at different points in his life.

[00:05:41] Now another well known occupation, something that we encounter in the Bible are fishermen and the three most and or best known fishermen we should say are Peter, James, and John. Now, Peter, we know he's the one that denied Jesus. John, he's the beloved and James really is the third [00:06:00] person that completes the inner circle of Jesus.

[00:06:02] Now, these disciples, they were fishermen by trade before and right when they encountered Jesus. And then Jesus calls them and he says, "I'll make you fishers of men." That's important. And I'll say that because really I believe and something that we can maybe take from that is that their occupation prepared them for the perseverance and dedication needed in their ministry. Right. 

[00:06:27] So the anointing shifted them into a higher calling, but the fact that they had this dedication to their occupation on a day to day basis is really what allowed Jesus to draw a parallel, a comparison. And really just imagine for for them to reflect upon when Jesus said, fishers of men, they really had to think about, man, fishing is hard work with those on a day to day, but there's like grind to it.

[00:06:55] And when Jesus calls them to be fishers of men, Jesus is not calling them to something easy. [00:07:00] Jesus is calling them to really. Something very mighty. Just within that example, we can see that their occupation, the way that they earned a living was by being fishermen. 

[00:07:11] So something neat that we also see in the Bible is that at one point Jesus is encountered by, I think Peter, right?

[00:07:17] And so there, you know, they're trying to figure out, Hey, there's a tax that we have to pay. And so. Then by this point, they're really into ministry. They're, you know, really expanding the kingdom of God by sharing the gospel in just different areas. But the interesting thing is that we find Jesus telling Peter to go and fish.

[00:07:37] And the first fish that he's going to catch, he's going to have I believe a coin, or he's going to have a monetary element in his, his mouth. And so, We see Jesus using Peter's occupation in order for them to fulfill their obligations, even in the midst of their ministry. So occupations in the Bible were very, very important.

[00:07:56] Next time you're reading through some different narratives and so different [00:08:00] characters, just pay attention to their what their occupation could be and see if you can maybe match them to, to some occupations that we kind of know of and understand what that might entail. I believe that when you start to see people in that light, I mean, just the characters in the Bible, there is a sense of maybe empathy that we will have for certain people. Right. 

[00:08:21] Okay. So we've talked about occupations in the Bible. Now, what about professions in the Bible? Remember that a profession is something that requires some higher expertise, some formal training, special knowledge. And so. One special one that I want to focus on or that I want to highlight is Bezalel.

[00:08:39] Bezalel is a skilled Craftsman, but I'm saying and I'm putting him in the category of a profession because Bezalel what the Bible tells us in Exodus 31 verse 1 through 5 it says Bezalel was chosen by God He was filled with the spirit, and he was really endowed, he was given wisdom and skill to design the [00:09:00] tabernacle. So we have Bezalel He went from being a craftsman to being a designer.

[00:09:07] And the reason I'm categorizing him as a profession is because really, I believe that it was the anointing, it was what God really endowed and put in him that allowed him to really kind of transcend into a more professional line of work. So his profession as a craftsman was more than a job. It was really his calling and he was empowered by the Holy spirit to do it. So. That's why I really, really want to recognize him as a professional. 

[00:09:36] Next in the New Testament a very special profession that we find. And this is very peculiar, maybe very unique to this individual, but We have a doctor in the Bible, not just like a Lord, I pray that you give me like the anointing to heal people.

[00:09:53] No, but we have like a legit physician. If you've never heard of this, I'm talking about none other than [00:10:00] Luke. And Luke is the author of the gospel of Luke and also the book of Acts. But his profession, I mean, his day job was him being a doctor. That's what he did. Now his detail account of Jesus life and ministry, they reflect his, his professional training and divine calling to document the truth.

[00:10:19] So there is just an approach. There's a different approach about how Luke really writes the gospel compared to some of the other, accounts that we have so next time you're reading through the book of luke try to see if you can figure out or pick and choose some of those different interesting details that maybe are coming from his formal training for him, his skillset as a professional physician. 

[00:10:44] Now what I also want to highlight though is the role of god's anointing On, on some of these things. Because the anointing of God, I believe that it turns an ordinary occupation into a divine assignment. And He can turn a profession [00:11:00] into a ministry. 

[00:11:01] Anointing brings excellence, supernatural wisdom, and then the favor in both occupations and professions. But I believe that it's, it's really the anointing of God that can transform those and into the platforms for God to use us for his purposes.

[00:11:16] The Importance of Faith in Professionalism

[00:11:16] Now let us turn our attention to the importance that professionalism might play in our faith or maybe vice versa, how our faith will influence our professionalism. You know, professionalism isn't just about having a title or formal education. It's more so about the attitude or the approach to work that it reflects integrity, dedication and excellence.

[00:11:38] So you can have the title, you can have the education, you can have the training and you can have the knowledge, but if you don't carry yourself with you know, with integrity, with dedication, with excellence in anything that you do, then we have to say that you're lacking in professionalism. Being a professional is about being diligent, ethical, committed, and aligning to God's standards. That is so, so, [00:12:00] so important. We know people that perhaps they're, they're professional by training, they're professional by their education because of the knowledge that they have, but they carry themselves in a way that it will be unrecognizable that they're even a person of faith, that they're even a person that believes in God, Jesus Christ, who came to save humanity. And that's because they have been so I don't know, unaligned with God's standards. 

[00:12:27] And so I really want us to, to really reflect on that and really think about how is it that what I do, the way that I do it, does it really represent, does it really show God's standards? If it doesn't, then beware, you may not be as professional as you may think.

[00:12:44] Now, I want us to also look at just three Proverbs that highlight professionalism and that say something to us or, or that speak to us about how we might want to be a professional in whatever we do. 

[00:12:57] The first one we find in Proverbs 18 verse [00:13:00] 9, and bear with me because you know, it's a mouthful. "One who is slack in his work, is brother to one who destroys." Okay, let's break that down "one who is slack." Slack means you're falling behind, you know, there's a gap between maybe what you ought to do and what you're actually doing. If this is you in your work, that means that you are most closely related to a person who destroys I mean you are like a destroyer in your, in your area.

[00:13:30] So really the insight here is that diligence and hard work are essential and laziness will lead to ruin. I mean, think about that, right? Lazy and not doing what needs to be done just really leads to some destruction. Have you ever known, maybe it's not you, but have you known someone that their approach to work is to kind of do the bare minimum? Or people that will often say, well, that's above my pay grade? Now I believe there may be some truth to that [00:14:00] in some cases, but a lot of times we find people that just, they really give their, their, the bare, the bare minimum or the least amount of effort because really it is just not in their professional DNA to do any more. So the Bible really warns us not to be that person because when we are, then we are most akin to someone who destroys. Beware. Don't, don't be that person. Don't, don't let it be you.

[00:14:26] The next one is Proverbs 12 verse 24. And it reads: "The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor." So the hand of the diligent will rule. That just means that when you are diligent, when you are quick to do what you have to do, when you really put forth the effort into you know, your profession your occupation, then that means that you will be set apart to rule. That speaks of leadership and influence. While the slothful, and we have to think of a sloth, [00:15:00] what is characteristic of a sloth? A sloth is, is one, is that that animal that moves just. Very slow in their movement, right? It reminds me of that. A famous Utopia a scene where we have the sloth that are working on the desk and they're moving like, so. So the Bible tells us when we are like so that means that we are going to be put to forced labor.

[00:15:28] So anytime we find someone that is a little bit slower, that, that moves a little bit, I would say, you know, I guess slothful, let's just stick with the words in the Bible, then you're going to be subject to hard labor. That's just a fact. So now I'm sorry to, I'm not sorry to say this. I'm sorry. Not sorry is when we see people that they, we, we really, really, really see this come into play when people say that they don't like school a lot of times, or at least, you know, the longer we grow and [00:16:00] live on earth, we tend to see that some of the people that are less studious are some of the people that have to do some of the hardest work, right?

[00:16:07] So you can kind of see that at play. It's just a reality. It's not even us. The Bible is the one saying this. So if, if, if you're going to be upset by that, take it up with the Bible, take it up with God. So let's just remember professionalism and diligence. It leads to leadership and influence. That's what it means when the hand of the diligent will rule. Leadership and influence. Nothing more, nothing less. 

[00:16:30] Now Proverbs 22 verse 1, it says "A good name is more desirable than great riches. And to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." So remember professionalism, I started this segment by saying that it's not just about the title or the position that you have. It's about how you carry yourself.

[00:16:50] It's about how you do the things that you do. And so a good name really stems from that. And when you do have a good name, [00:17:00] then that's, what's really going to amount to riches. So you know, it's, it's really, what's going to set you apart. And so whenever someone thinks of promoting someone in your job, well, guess what? If you have a good name, if you have a good reputation, then you will come to mind. I mean, it's, it's the Bible says so, right? So we, it's true. 

[00:17:20] Now to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. So really the insight here is that professionalism enhances your reputation. And that's invaluable. I mean, put an, try and put a price tag on that. You won't be able to, all right. So don't even try. 

[00:17:36] So Really, it is important for us to consider how maybe our faith influences our professionalism and how we carry ourselves in doing so. 

[00:17:47] Practical Application and Encouragement

[00:17:47] Now, if we are to take this and apply it to ourselves, what is it that I want to encourage you to do? Now, first, in order for you to, how can you apply this understanding in your work in whatever it is that you do [00:18:00] on a day to day basis?

[00:18:01] First, embrace your work, whether it's an occupation or a profession. And then really take it and ask God to help you see it as the platform for God's purpose. And that really reminds me of that verse that says in anything that you do, do it as unto the Lord. That means if you find yourself in an occupation or a profession, regardless of whatever, wherever you fall on the spectrum of those two things, then really do it with, and giving it your, your most. You're utmost because God really can take whatever it is that you do and he can really use it for his purposes.

[00:18:36] Seek God's anointing in order to excel, not just in your skills, but also in your character. You know, the, the tangible things that you do are important, but your character, how you carry yourself, how it is that people come to know you, that's important. The next thing is for you to strive to be known, not just for what you do, but for what you do.

[00:18:55] But for how you do it, do things with excellence, with integrity, and [00:19:00] really for a heart full of God, that's really, what's going to set you apart. So when people start to wonder about like, well, who should we use for this? You'll be surprised how much further you can get in your occupation or your work. If you approach it with with. professionalism. And if you approach it with excellence, integrity, and really just a heart that is passionate for God. 

[00:19:23] And so what is my encouragement to you that is listening? Well, whether you are a stay at home parent, a student, a pastor, or any kind of professional that you might identify yourself as, God can really use you in your sphere of influence. And that is why we really seek after him to really reveal to us how it is that we can be of service to him. And when we do, then let us be a professional onto the Lord. Let him give us the divine knowledge, wisdom to carry ourselves in anything that we do. You know, pray for God's anointing to transform your work, whether that's [00:20:00] your occupation or your profession, and to really for him to transform it into your ministry.

[00:20:05] A lot of times we might find ourselves that you know, we might've started out in a job that maybe it's something that we were once kind of interested and passionate about, but as time goes by, we might start to feel a little down. Like we're not as, we're not as excited by it, by our responsibilities and the duties or tasks that we have to do.

[00:20:26] But when, whenever we start to hit that point, that's when we really have to go into seeking God and be like, okay, God revealed to me in this season, how is it that maybe you want to use me? Or how is it that you want to condition me for what you want to use me next or for where you are taking me? How are you positioning me here in this space, in this moment in time in order for me for whatever it is that you have for me next. And If we do that, we're gonna start to see that the posture of our heart will start to get into alignment with what God requires of us.

[00:20:59] Conclusion and Call to Action

[00:20:59] [00:21:00] So in conclusion just to recap, so far we've kind of, we've addressed the differences between occupation, which is just a means to an end, it's just the things that we might do to earn a living. A profession, while we earn a living by doing our profession, it requires a certain skill set and a certain embodiment of certain values, right? We talked about diligence and the importance of excellence and integrity in the things that we do. That's really what sets a professional up for success. 

[00:21:29] And then we touched on some of the biblical examples, right? We talked about the shepherds, the fishermen and Bezalel as not only being a craftsman, but God using him as a designer for the tabernacle.

[00:21:42] And lastly, but not least we see that professionalism is not just about skill, but it's about character and it's really driven by a God honoring attitude. 

[00:21:52] And so what is my call to action to you? What is the challenge that I want to. leave with you? Is for you to reflect on your work and to [00:22:00] really seek God in His guidance in turning your occupation or profession and for him to reveal to you how that plays into your divine assignment, because believe it or not, God has something destined for you to do.

[00:22:13] And so seeking him, that's how you're best going to find direction for that. And I also just want to encourage you. To follow jesus You're gonna you're gonna start to hear me say follow Jesus and stay connected with us in all our social media platform. 

[00:22:27] But lastly I want to leave you with this scripture: "Commit your work to the lord and your plans will be established." That's Proverbs 16 verse 3. So anything that you do commit it unto the lord and you are going to see how He establishes and he makes your plans firm. 

[00:22:46] So I really hope that this was inspiring, encouraging, and motivating for you in anything that you do. And lastly, I just want to say, if you have any questions or if you'd like to share your story or even just let us know how God is using your [00:23:00] occupation or, and, or your profession for his glory, then reach out and connect with us on social media, on any of your platforms, because I would love to hear whatever it is that God might be doing through you.

[00:23:11] So until next time, bye bye.