Neighbor Groups: Elevate EducationSample

Paul as a Tentmaker

It’s easy to believe that a great education will lead to a great career, which then leads to a great life. But often, that’s not true—and there’s so much more to our lives than our careers and job descriptions.

So instead of viewing education as a golden ticket into a bright future, let’s consider education as an opportunity for us to respond to God’s calling. We see examples of this throughout Scripture. 

Many of the disciples were fishermen who then became fishers of men—evangelists. Some jobs in the Old Testament, like being a king, allowed people to spread God’s truth across countries—just look at David.

One of the most influential people in Scripture—after Jesus in the Gospels—was Paul. He wrote many of the books in the New Testament in the form of letters to churches, and his role in the early church was significant. However, we’re first introduced to Paul in the book of Acts in a different light.

When we meet Paul, we see a man who hates, persecutes, and kills Christians. But then he meets Jesus, and everything changes. Instead of harming Christians, he starts to walk alongside them to spread the good news of Jesus—not just in his community, but to areas that required traveling and financial resources.

So how does this relate to education?

Paul was a tentmaker by trade. On the surface, that might not seem like a profession that merges well with spreading the gospel, yet it was exactly what God needed him to do. His education in tentmaking allowed him to share about Jesus with the people in his work environment, and it allowed him to make an income that would fund his trips to different churches.

The same is true for us. The education we receive will impact the jobs that we hold. And the paycheck and relationships you build at work can be used by God. Just as Paul’s education allowed him to support his calling from God, your education can support your calling from God. 

Pray: Father, I know that there is more to life than my work. But I also know that even in my job, there are opportunities for me to share about You. Will You help me to lean in to the calling You’ve given me? I’m ready to see my education, job, skills, and opportunities as a launching pad for You to do incredible things. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Challenge: Start to see your job, skills, or education as unique opportunities God has given you to minister to those around you. Based on your experience, how can you help those around you?