Job. Some people like to work constantly and are insatiable at it. Many of them can be called workaholics. For others, work is a necessary evil, a means to provide food, shelter, clothing, pay bills, and participate in activities that bring happiness. But have you ever wondered what work 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 a talking point. This means that we will work approximately 2,000 hours during the calendar year. Multiply this by your working life, say 45 years. That's 90,000 hours of work, whether you stay with one 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 brings us to another question: “How should I deal with this relationship?”
Books have been written on this subject, but it would be good to look at just some of the many things the Bible has to say about how we approach our work and the people we work with.
Our work should serve as a positive example. One approach to work is to do the bare minimum: go to work, get through the day, and return home. But this is hardly an example for others to follow, especially those of us who understand that we are to work “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). On the contrary, we must continue our work as a sacred calling - wherever God places us. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to walk in” (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 work quality, unethical behavior and a general failure to make a worthy contribution to our organization's productivity and service to customers, suppliers and fellow workers. “And strive diligently to live quietly, to do your own thing, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; so that you may behave decently toward those outside and not lack for anything” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).
Our work ethic must be exemplary. Diligence and excellence in the work we do speak volumes about our character, commitment to others, and most importantly, our determination to serve as “ambassadors of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Increasingly, it appears that people cannot take pride in their work, as evidenced by businesses that struggle to find people willing to work. When they come to work, many of them are easily distracted instead of focusing on their responsibilities. “And be diligent 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 concern for others. While we carry out our work tasks and responsibilities, the workplace can also serve as a platform to reflect the love of Jesus Christ to others by showing that we care about them and their needs. If we feel a colleague or client is struggling, this can be an opportunity to show God's care and compassion. “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31).
© 2024. Robert J. Tamasi wrote Market Ambassadors: The Continuing Legacy of CBMC Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at its Best: Timeless Proverbial Wisdom for Today's Workplace; Finding Life with a Shepherd's Heart, 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
NOTE. 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 reconsider your approach and your motivation for work. If you were a follower of Christ and you had to directly present the results of your efforts to Him, how do you think He would react? Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens the sight of his friend.” Do you have someone you can regularly meet with for encouragement, prayerful support, and constructive criticism when needed? If so, make an appointment with this person and discuss the questions above. If you have no one to meet whom you can trust, ask God to lead you to such a person.
