With the unemployment rate rising, corporate lay-offs dominating economic news, and workers wondering about job security, this is an opportune time to elevate one’s understanding of what it means to be employed.

People frequently think of employment as a secured position that draws a paycheck from another individual, institution, company or government. This view of employment is fraught with danger and uncertainty, though, because human trusts are not always reliable. Companies lay workers off. Institutions fail. Corporations file for bankruptcy. Then what?

Jesus Christ had a better understanding of employment. He said, “I am about my Father’s business.” He never put his financial well being at the mercy of an earthly entity that may or may not come through with its promises. He put his whole trust in God. He worked for God, and very consciously so. And he was always fully employed, fully cared for, and was able to bless thousands of others through the abundance consciousness he reflected. We have his example to follow.

One aspect of employment is listening for progressive ideas coming from God, and then acting on them. That’s what Jesus did. He listened and followed. This is what all gainfully employed workers do. They listen for wise ideas, act on them, and in turn, are able to perform their work well. The best ideas are coming from God and lead to the best results.

We live in a divine economy where God is the placement officer for every worker. In changing economic times, like the global economy faces today, it’s not a time to fear unemployment, but a time to stay tuned-in to the most rewarding, worthwhile and profitable way to use one’s mental time and resources.

Gainful employment is the outcome of gainful employment of one’s thinking. One might ask, “Where are my talents and abilities going to be put to best use?” And by “where,” it’s not necessarily with a particular company, but with a demand of the times. People are in great need just about everywhere. Workers who meet these needs are going to be gainfully employed because they are responding to a current demand.

I find this rule true in my practice. If I have a lull in calls from patients for help, I write an article addressing a world need. Without fail, patients start calling in soon with needs to be met.

Seismic shifts are taking place in industry, commerce and technology. Over the long run, workers are going to be moved from the least profitable enterprises to the more profitable ones. To prosper, workers need to be flexible, attentive to new demands, ready to move, adjust and adapt to the changing times.

No one will be left out. Everyone has a niche to fill in the ever-advancing demands of Life, Truth and Love expressed. But it does take consecrated prayer, humility, listening and obedience to rise to the demands of the times and make the most of them.

Employment is not what we do with our hands, but what we do with our thought. Gainfully employed thought leads to gainfully employed actions.

So, whether we hold a job title with a company at the moment or not, our employment status with God remains unchanged. It’s labeled, Fully Employed! God moves us about from one business to the other depending upon the needs of the times and what we’re ready to express and put into practice. It can be a harmonious and smooth transition as we listen, pray, and humbly follow where the divine finger points. There doesn’t have to be a long drawn-out period of time or increasing debt in the meantime. Divine Love’s provision is immediate, with no conditions attached. And the provision includes blessings for you too!