Ye are the salt of the earth... . Ye are the light of the world... . Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
—Matthew 5:13–16

Where do you go to get advice regarding your career? There are many wonderful resources available, such as The Wall Street Journal. Some seek out personal mentors, career coaches, role models in their career field, or a person with an impressive title behind his or her name. We look in many places, and they all have their place. But let's not forget the ultimate source on guidance for business and career—the Book in your hands.

Perhaps the Bible is so obvious a source that we simply overlook it. Both the Old and New Testament are filled with illustrations of good business principles and great leaders. The Book of Proverbs relates ethical principles, truths, and examples that relate to any workplace or career. Everyone faces challenges in their career—whether it's stress, frustration, dealing with customers and salespeople, and making sufficient income to pay all the bills. The Bible gives us clear instructions on how to deal with these obstacles as we go about our daily work.

Even as we deal with the demands of our work, Jesus commands us to be salt and light wherever we go. And sometimes that can be so difficult! Yet we are exhorted to be people of excellence as we walk in integrity. Our character is seen in the decisions we make, the priorities we develop, and the perspective we see issues through.

And when it comes to our career, it is critical that we find balance in our lives. Life is a race, and we must pace ourselves. Almost everyone is faced with too much to do and not enough time. Most of us get caught up in the reigning culture of success that demands an intensity of devotion that is unhealthy and destructive. It is all too easy to slip into the pattern of giving our career and business the time and attention that we should be giving to God, our families, and ourselves. Through living an unbalanced life, it is possible to be incredibly successful by the world's standards but a failure to our families and friends. Overloaded people fail—that's the true bottom line.

Consider your career in the light of these words: "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him" (2 Chronicles 16:9). I hope you catch a sense of how excited that God is to bless you and work in your life as you commit yourself completely to Him!

Related Texts: Proverbs 3:5–6; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Matthew 16:26; 1 Corinthians 3:13–14; Ephesians 4:1–3; 2 John 1:8