Christian Living

Of Expats and Consultants

by jay supetran
09/06/17
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Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank. - Proverbs 22:29

It has been seven years since I first worked as a consultant outside my home country, the Philippines. Since that time I have worked in three neighboring Asian countries – Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar.  I am part of the millions of Filipino Christians working as overseas workers,   expatriates and consultants around the world. Some find time as ‘tent-makers,’ doing their work and testifying about God through their lives.

Working in a cross-cultural environment is hard as you have to adjust to the culture and practices of the land, not to mention the language.  We read in the Bible stories of some of the best expats and consultants who used their talents and gave glory to God in the midst of alien culture and hostile environment.

The first was a food security expert who designed a food production program aimed at feeding a nation in famine for seven years. He advised and later on became the administrator who oversaw the production, storage and distribution of food for the people and livestock of the Kingdom of Egypt.  His production output exceeded to the point where he even exported to neighboring countries, extending his influence and that of the kingdom. He is of course no other than Joseph the Dreamer, son of Israel, administrator of Egypt.

The second was a security expert providing close-in protection to the king. As a personal bodyguard, he ensured no harm will come to the king. His expertise allowed him to be granted with authority to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and secure its perimeter defense.   When the Israelites were allowed to return, they were safe inside the walled city against the preying band of those who wanted Jerusalem to remain desolate. Nehemiah, the trusted cup-bearer of King Artaxerxes of  Babylon, builder of the walls of Jerusalem.

The third was a policy adviser to kings. He was part of an elite group of Israeli royalties who were trained in the court of the Babylonian king. Initially assigned as a local government administrator, he rose to become the main adviser of a succession of kings giving them strategic visions. Under his advice, the kingdom prospered. Daniel, the lion-tamer, adviser and friend to four Babylonian kings.

Unlike present-day expats and consultants who are sought because of their skills and insights, Biblical expats were in foreign lands as captives. Their skills and talents were squeezed out of them in the service of foreign kings. But, instead of nurturing hatred in their hearts, they served their masters well, worked to the best of their abilities, and in the process gained the trust of kings.  

Today, we can serve as influencers and advisers in foreign lands if we follow their models – honing our skills and giving our best. We are working for the glory of God not the corporations where we are employed. Let our light shine before men.