Throughout our lives, we have often been taught that Jesus could return at any moment. As a result, we are encouraged to live sin-free lives, ready to be taken up in the rapture. When life's challenges overwhelm us, we may find ourselves longing for His imminent return to rescue us from the struggles we face. However, God’s Word does not instruct us to simply retreat, wait, or merely focus on getting others saved while abandoning the world around us. Instead, God calls us to “occupy until I come” (Luke 19:13, KJV).
To "occupy" means to take ownership, work diligently, and influence the world around us for His glory. God’s desire is for His people to rise as leaders in all areas of society, often referred to as the "seven mountains": entertainment, education, government, church, family, media, and business. As Deuteronomy 28:13 (ESV) declares, “The Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you shall only go up and not down, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today” .
Step 1: Discover Your God-Given Passion and Calling
The first step to fulfilling this mandate is to understand the gifts and passions God has placed within you. When we identify what we truly enjoy and are naturally inclined toward, it often points us toward the career or calling He has designed for us.
For example, I used to role-play teaching with my dolls as a child, lining them up and giving them lessons. This was later confirmed through a personality test in college that revealed I was best suited to be a high school English teacher—a career I faithfully served in for over 44 years. My love for teaching wasn’t just a random interest; it was embedded in my spiritual DNA. As the Bible says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10, NKJV).
Your passion is often a glimpse into your purpose. Just as Jeremiah was called by God before he was born, so too has God placed a unique purpose within you: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart” (Jeremiah 1:5, NIV).
Step 2: Prepare for Your Calling
Once you’ve identified your calling, the next step is preparation. Determine the path you need to take to become skilled in your chosen field. Does this require a college degree, trade school, an apprenticeship, or mentorship? Whatever the path, approach your learning with excellence and diligence.
The Bible emphasizes the value of preparation and skill. Proverbs 22:29 (ESV) says, “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men”. God expects us to steward our talents well, honing them for His purposes.
No matter how small your beginnings may seem, be faithful in them. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much” (Luke 16:10, NIV). When you honor God with excellence in the little things, He will open doors for bigger opportunities.
Step 3: Serve and Lead with Excellence
When you enter your field of work, do your best to honor God in everything you do. Whether you are a business owner or an employee, approach your work with a positive attitude, diligence, and integrity. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV).
Seek to make your organization successful, contribute meaningfully, and treat others with respect and kindness. Remember, as Christians, we are called to be salt and light in the world: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14, ESV). Your work ethic and character should reflect Christ, drawing others to Him through your example.
Trust God for Promotion
Promotion and success ultimately come from God. Psalm 75:6-7 (KJV) reminds us, “For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He puts down one and exalts another”. When you commit your work to the Lord, He will bless your efforts in His perfect timing. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3, NIV).
As you faithfully occupy the sphere of influence God has placed you in, you are fulfilling His mandate to bring His Kingdom to earth. Our work is not just for personal gain but to glorify God and impact the world for His Kingdom.
Conclusion: Be the Head and Not the Tail
God calls us to be leaders, innovators, and influencers in every area of life. He desires for His children to rise to positions of influence and demonstrate His love, wisdom, and righteousness to the world. Let us not grow weary or long for escape but instead occupy and lead until Jesus returns, trusting that our labor for the Lord is not in vain.
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NKJV).
By embracing your God-given calling, preparing diligently, and serving with excellence, you will be positioned as the head and not the tail, bringing glory to God and making an eternal impact on the world around you.
