This is written for those who are struggling in the workplace and those who wait for someone to provide motivation. Some may think their work doesn't matter; I invite you to think again!
(yes, one time I did have a job pouring iron)
While living in South Korea in the early 1960's, my father taught me about the importance of our reputation as Christians. He told me how the South Korean army evaluated their new conscripts. All members of each newly formed platoon were asked if they were Christian or Boy Scout. Men who were Christian or a Boy Scout were the first pick for immediate promotion to corporal. Why? The officers in charge KNEW that such men had integrity, honesty, and would work heartily, as opposed to others who were bereft of such qualities.
If we profess to know God, to be disciples of Jesus Christ, then our work should affirm what we profess to believe. Although there may be injustice and unfairness in the workplace, you can begin to discern that such things count for nothing. Adversity will not ultimately prevail against those who serve the Lord Christ.
Colossians 3:23–25
[23] Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, [24] knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. [25] For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality. (ESV)
This was a hard verse for me to learn, as at the time, I didn't believe that I could hold a job, nor did I want to hold a job. Yet, here was the truth, sitting like a diamond in my hands! I was aware that God wouldn't ask me to do anything I couldn't do. So, I had to choose to believe my negative feelings and opinions, or to believe what God said.
For some, the phrase "work heartily, as for the Lord" may not communicate. As I developed my skills, it was useful to express this truth more specifically to my situation. For example, "…respond to your boss, support him and work in the manner you would want if you were in charge."
"Working heartily" implies an aggressive mindset, a motivation to fulfill and expand your role, adding as much value to the company as possible. As teens, my sons worked in a fast-food establishment. During slow times they liked to say "…if you have time to lean, you have time to clean!". Thus, they would reprove other lazy workers, and maintain a remarkably clean establishment.
We serve the Lord Christ, without regard to our employers response! For such service, the Lord promises to reward us. The Lord knows what we do, so we don't have to rely on others to recognize our work. In my life, I didn't have to wait long for the Lord to begin rewarding me.
I took a job managing the engineering documentation department in a manufacturing company. The man I was replacing suddenly decided not to leave. Now, I didn't have any work to do. So, I went to the engineering lab and asked, "…does anyone need any help?" In response, I had plenty of work to do! My boss didn't say a word about all of this.
A few weeks later, there was a layoff, due to a downturn in our market. I was one of the newest employees, but they retained me. The complainers and lazy were gone. I learned that my boss liked to let his actions speak for him.
Proverbs 23:23 Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding. (ESV)
Expend the personal effort to retain the truth of your service to the Lord Christ! Doors of opportunity can open to you so you can "buy wisdom, instruction and understanding". A paycheck vanishes in a moment, but wisdom, instruction, and understanding will last a lifetime! Your life, service, example, and reputation, shows forth the love of God in the physical realm, day by day. Earn your reward!
Thanks Keith! I really enjoyed this article. And I am forwarding it to my son, as we were discussing this same topic last couple of days. Spot on brother :)
Just announced inflation is down PTL....finally.
Thanks Keith! I really enjoyed this article. And I am forwarding it to my son, as we were discussing this same topic last couple of days. Spot on brother :)
You are welcome. Thank you for the encouragement!