Living Your Legacy in His Kingdom: A Faith-Based Perspective on Career and Purpose

We each live within a kingdom, a sphere of influence where our values, choices, and impact unfold. Pastor Steve McMillan describes the Kingdom of God as the range of God’s effective will, while our own kingdoms represent the reach of our personal will, where we decide, create, and take responsibility.

In our careers, this idea takes on a deeply practical meaning. We strive to build our own “kingdoms” through professional success, recognition, and control. Yet at times, we sense a quiet inner clash, an unease between the life we are constructing and the peace we long for.

This tension between our will and God’s will mirrors the clash of kingdoms that McMillan describes. It is within this space that we are invited to reflect, to grow, and to rediscover what truly matters.

The Clash of Kingdoms

Our personal kingdoms are often built upon performance, image, and fear of inadequacy. We measure ourselves against others, comparing titles, lifestyles, and achievements. Sin, pride, and comparison lead us to protect our lines, unwilling to yield or collaborate.

But in this clash, something within us begins to break. The kingdoms of this earth, shaped by wealth, status, and self-preservation, may connect around power, yet they struggle to sustain peace. They promise fulfillment but often leave us weary and unfulfilled.

In contrast, the Kingdom of God offers a different order. It descends from heaven to earth, as Jesus prayed in Matthew 6:9–10, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

This kingdom is not distant or abstract. It transforms the human heart, bringing restoration where the world breeds division, and love where pride erects walls.

The Kingdom That Heals

In Luke 7:22, Jesus reveals the signs of His kingdom’s arrival:

“The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.”

During that time, society viewed these individuals as outcasts (or canker sores as Steve describes it), people unworthy of belonging or dignity. Yet Jesus turned toward them with compassion and healing. He restored their value and redefined what it means to be whole.

This truth still speaks powerfully today, both in our personal and professional lives. When we feel that we are not enough, when our insecurities whisper that we are lesser than others, the Kingdom of God reminds us that we are already seen, already loved, and already equipped.

For those who may not share this faith perspective, there is still a meaningful insight here. Our worth is not measured by productivity, perfection, or comparison, but by the intrinsic value of being human. Whether your foundation is faith, personal growth, or service, this reflection invites you to build your life upon compassion, humility, and gratitude, the qualities that make any kingdom flourish.

Becoming Like the King

In John 13:34, Jesus gave a command that fulfills the law of the King:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

To become like the King means to reflect that same love and grace in our daily work. In career terms, this translates into how we lead, collaborate, and serve. It challenges us to pursue goals not only for personal success but for the betterment of others.

When we bring this principle into our professional lives, we begin to build workplaces that mirror heaven’s character. These environments become places of fairness, kindness, and purpose. It is not about perfection, but about presence. It is about showing up with integrity and compassion, even when the world tells us to protect our own line.

Faith, Growth, and the Gifts We Carry

In the Harmony Framework, the final phase called Evolution reminds us that growth is an ongoing process. Faith and learning are interwoven, expanding as we mature and discover the legacy we are called to leave behind.

Each person’s season will look different. For me, I recognize that I am in a season of learning and growth, deepening my expertise in career coaching, refining my craft, and balancing my purpose with faith and family. I have come to see that time cannot be bought with money, and so I strive to invest it intentionally where it bears eternal fruit.

James 1:17–18 beautifully captures this truth:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”

Our talents, passions, and opportunities are not random. They are gifts entrusted to us to cultivate and share. Whether you interpret this through faith or gratitude, it reminds us that purpose is not something we earn; it is something we steward with care and intention.

Building a Kingdom of Purpose

The Tale of Two Kingdoms is both a spiritual reflection and a practical invitation to live with greater purpose. Each of us is called to examine the kind of kingdom we are building. Is it one rooted in comparison and control, or one grounded in love and contribution?

If you are in a season of transition, reflection, or renewal, consider how your career, personal, and learning life align with the values of the kingdom you wish to build. Let this be a moment to look deeper, to see the divine in the everyday, and to craft a legacy that uplifts not only yourself but those around you.

Faith-Based Career Coaching for Kingdom Purpose

Do you need support in building a new kind of kingdom?

One that reflects your values, nourishes your well-being, and brings harmony between your faith, purpose, and professional life. I would be honoured to help you take that next step.

Yules Chan (BFA, CWS, CCS) is a CPC-registered career development professional based in Calgary, Alberta, passionate about helping clients discover their hidden genius through strategic, creative, and practical career planning. Brilliant Person Career Coaching offers in-person and online services to support your career journey.

Call +1 (403) 891-2673 or visit www.brilliantperson.ca for a 15-minute complimentary consultation.