May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us-- yes, establish the work of our hands (Psalm 90:17).

Many of us begin our careers with the goal of achieving success. If we haven't entered our work as a result of the calling of God we will eventually face a chasm of deep frustration and emptiness. Success flatters but does not provide a lasting sense of purpose and fulfillment. So often we enter careers with wrong motives -- money, prestige, and even pressure from parent or peers. Failing to match our giftedness and calling is like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. If that happens over an extended period, a person crashes.

It is at this time when many make another mistake. Business people think that beginning a new career in "full time Christian work" will fill the emptiness they feel. However, this only exasperates the problem more because they are again trying to put a square peg into a round hole. The problem is not whether we should be in "Christian work" or "secular work", but rather what work is inspired by gifts and calling. If there is one phrase I wish I could remove from the English language it is "full time Christian work." If you are a Christian, you are in full time Christian work whether you are driving nails or preaching the gospel. The question must be if you are achieving the God-given calling for your life? And God has called people into business to fulfill His purposes just as much as He has called people to be pastors or missionaries.

It is time for business people to stop feeling like second-class citizens for being in business. It is time business people stop working toward financial independence so that they can concentrate on their "true spiritual calling." This is the great deception for those called to business.

Significance comes from fulfilling the God-given purpose for which you were made. Ask Him to confirm this in your own life.