By Robert J. Tamasy
The “how-to” section of most bookstores and libraries is typically the most popular. People are eager to learn how to do things, from making furniture to getting their finances under control to learning to lose weight. If you do not know how to do something, there are books available that can tell you how.
There are many such books relating to the business and professional world, including how to build a successful career. In you are a salesperson, you can learn how many calls you should make each day or how to close a sales deal. If you are an executive, books will tell you how to be an effective leader, how to create and manage a high-performing team, and how to use time productively.
Regardless of the role you have in the marketplace, however, we can find some universal “how-to” principles in the Bible for how to experience a fulfilling, God-honouring career. Here are some of them:
Be Prepared. Whether going into an interview, participating in a meeting, making a sales presentation, or just starting a new workday, we need to be prepared. Even to the point of expecting the unexpected. When opportunities present themselves, we need to be ready to respond. “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16).
Be Present. Rather than dwelling on the past, or dreaming about the future, it is critical to remain fully aware and engaged in the current moment, concentrating on the “here and now.” We cannot undo what has occurred in the past, and what the future holds can be greatly influenced by what we do right now. In addition, those we work with and interact with need our full attention. “…better a neighbour nearby than a brother far away” (Proverbs 27:10). “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up, but pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
Be Patient. One of the hardest things in life and work is remaining patient when whatever we are hoping to achieve is slow in coming. This is where trust and faith, not only in ourselves but also in God and His plans, are important. “We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (Hebrews 6:11-12).
Be Persevering. Sometimes failure is a result of not trying one more time. Achieving success often requires being willing to stick with the process and not surrendering to discouragement. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Be Praying. For followers of Jesus Christ, our belief in His calling and that we are exactly where He has placed us for this moment gives us hope. With this in mind, we should maintain an attitude of prayer, always seeking His wisdom and direction regardless of the circumstances we are facing. “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
© 2026. Robert J. Tamasy has written Marketplace Ambassadors: CBMC’s Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace; Pursuing Life With a Shepherd’s Heart, co-authored with Ken Johnson; andThe Heart of Mentoring, co-authored with David A. Stoddard, and numerous other books and magazine articles. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
What ideas or principles have been guiding you as you seek to succeed and excel in your work? Are you influenced by the latest and greatest fads, people who emerge promising to provide the “secrets” to being successful and prosperous in the marketplace? Explain your answer.
Obviously, the Bible is not a book that focuses solely on the marketplace. Why do you think we should have confidence in applying principles from the Scriptures to our everyday workplace responsibilities and challenges?
Many other biblical principles could have been cited, but which of the ones presented in this Monday Manna seems most meaningful for you? Being prepared? Being positive? Persevering? Or something else?
Have you ever considered prayer as being an important aspect for pursuing success in the business and professional world? In what ways might you consider praying about situations you are dealing with right now?
NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to read more, consider the following passages:
Proverbs10:9, 11:3, 15:22, 16:3-4, 19:21, 21:5, 25:13, 28:2
Galatians 6:9-10
Challenge for This Week
If you have been following other paths for success in your career, what changes might be needed if you were to study and apply biblical principles for how to approach your work?
If you are relatively new to the idea of using the Scriptures for wisdom in carrying out your workplace responsibilities, it would be good to seek out someone you have seen that understands and demonstrates how those principles work effectively. Or, if you have already been using the Word of God to guide your career, you might pray for God to lead you to someone who would benefit from your experience and insight – someone you might even begin to disciple, in keeping with Jesus’ commission to “make disciples” (Matthew 28:19).