God’s will in this age is that his people be scattered like salt and light in all legitimate vocations. His aim is to be known, because knowing him is life and joy. He does not call us out of the world. He does not remove the need to work.
He does not destroy society and culture. Through his scattered saints he spreads a passion for his supremacy in all things for the joy of all peoples. If you work like the world, you will waste your life, no matter how rich you get. But if your work creates a web of redemptive relationships and becomes an adornment for the Gospel of the glory of Christ, your satisfaction will last forever and God will be exalted in your joy.
–John Piper
Why do you work?
Is it so you can make money to have more stuff for yourself? Or to do more of the things you want to do? That is working like the world. Self is the focus.
God tells us to work so that we can share with those in need.
Ephesians 4:28 – He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.
God also tells us to work not as those working for our employer, but as if we are working for Him.
Colossians 3:23 – Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men.
Ephesians 6:6-7 – …Not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men.
So what does working for the Lord look like? Self no longer is the focus. The Lord and others become the focus. Using our position and sphere of influence to develop redemptive relationships that help people know Christ more through their relationship with you. Can your co-workers say that they know Christ better because of their relationship with you? Can your employer say that? Can your employees say that? Can your clients say that?
God may not be calling you out of your current vocation to work in a church. More than likely, He is calling you to use the position He has placed you in to build relationships with those around you that will exalt and glorify and honor Him and lead those people around you to know Him better.
Working for Him exalts Him instead of self.