Work. Some people like to work all the time and are insatiable in it. Many of them can be called workaholics. For others, work is a necessary evil, a means of providing food, a roof over their heads, clothing, paying bills, and participating in activities that bring happiness. But have you ever wondered what a working life looks like?
Let’s say we have a typical, “average” 40-hour work week. Some readers work much more than that, but let’s take 40 hours as the topic of discussion. That means we will work approximately 2,000 hours in a calendar year. Multiply that by a working life expectancy of, say, 45 years. That equals 90,000 hours of work, whether you stay with the same company or change multiple jobs and careers. That’s a lot of time!
A good question to ask is, “How will I spend this time?” Especially considering that few people work in isolation. Almost all of us work with other people and by necessity must interact with them on a daily basis. This leads us to another question, “What do I do with these relationships?”
Books have been written on this subject, but it would be good to review just a few of the many things the Bible has to say about the approach to our work and the people we have to work with.
Our work should set a positive example. One approach to work is to do the bare minimum: go to work, get through the day, and go home. But this is hardly an example for others to follow, especially those of us who realize that we are to work “as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Rather, we are to pursue our work as a sacred calling – wherever God places us. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has appointed us to perform” (Ephesians 2:10).
Our work must be impeccable. We can all probably think of some people who have lost our respect in the workplace due to unacceptable quality of work, unethical behavior and a general failure to contribute decently to our organization’s productivity and service to customers, suppliers and fellow employees. “And strive diligently to live quietly, to do your own business and work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that you may walk decently before those who are outside and need nothing” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).
Our work ethic should be exemplary. Diligence and excellence in the work we do say a lot about our character, our commitment to others and, most importantly, our determination to serve as “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Increasingly, it seems that people cannot take pride in their work, as evidenced by businesses struggling to find people willing to work. If they show up for work, many are easily distracted instead of focusing on their responsibilities. “And strive diligently to live quietly, to do your own work, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you” (1 Thessalonians 4:11).
Our work should reflect care for others. As we fulfill our work tasks and responsibilities, the workplace can also serve as a platform to reflect to others the love of Jesus Christ by showing that we care about them and their needs. If we feel a coworker or client is struggling, it can be an opportunity to show God’s care and compassion. “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).
© 2024. Robert J. Tamasi has written “Ambassadors of the Marketplace: CBMC’s Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship”; “Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace”; “Seeking Life with the Heart of a Shepherd,” co-authored with Ken Johnson; and “The Heart of Mentoring,” co-authored with David A. Stoddard. Bob’s bi-weekly blog: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.
Questions for reflection/discussion
- How many hours on average do you work per week? If you visualize this over a lifetime, how many hours do you plan to spend on your career? Do you think you are well invested in those hours?
- Aside from earning a livelihood financially and perhaps career advancement through promotion or moving on to better opportunities, what do you hope will be the lasting impact or legacy of your working life?
- Can you think of anyone you consider to be a bad employee? If yes, describe that person and their approach to their work. Now think of a person who impressed you as an outstanding worker. What do you remember about him/her?
- What do you think about the idea of looking for opportunities to reflect God’s love, care and compassion in the workplace? What guidelines do you think should be followed in doing so?
NOTES. If you have a Bible and want to read more, consider the following passages: Proverbs 12:11, 14:23; 1 Corinthians 3:9; Colossians 3:17, 23-24; 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Difficult task
This week will be a good time for you to review your approach and your motivation to work. If you were a follower of Christ and you had to present the results of your efforts directly to Him, how do you think He would respond? The Book of Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens the eye of his friend.” Do you have someone you can meet with on a regular basis for encouragement, prayer support, and constructive criticism as needed? If so, schedule a meeting with that person and discuss the questions above. If you do not have someone you can trust, ask God to lead you to that person.