All of us live in a world where creative tension exists. As Christians, we have a very real and personal desire to live under Christ’s Lordship. Yet we live in a world that does not submit to His Lordship. Often the directives we are given to follow are against our values and commitments to Christ. How then should we live?
Jesus said several very helpful truths for us to follow: “...do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles [world] seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all theses things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:31-34).
Your personal life is under your control, so you can honor God in all you do. However, your life in the business world needs to honor those who are over you, and to do it as unto the Lord. God will guide you in your decisions, so you can honor Him, putting first His Kingdom and His righteousness. Whatever you do, do it with absolute faith, behaving righteously in all you do. Be a good steward of what is entrusted to you, demonstrating the presence of your Lord in your life. Often you are in trust of what belongs to someone else. Be a good steward and so reveal the character of your Lord.
You also have access to God in prayer and to other believers who can give you good counsel. Go to God and ask for His wisdom. Then, receive it with patience and obey Him. Seek the counsel of others that God has placed around you, and honor the counsel God gives you through them.
You can function in the real world with this creative tension and honor God as well. Just be absolutely alert: first to God, then to the stewardship of your witness with God in the marketplace where He’s placed you.