The Right Attitude toward Work
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?”
Proverbs 6:6–9
Many people will work hard and get the job done if they know the boss is watching, but otherwise do the minimum to get by. Some people will work hard consistently for more money or prestige or to advance their careers. But as Christians, we are to work hard at whatever job we have because we are servants of God. Our duty to be a good reflection of His character and nature should impact the way we perform any task we are assigned.
There is a constant temptation to grumble and complain about work, but it is one we should resist. Work is not a curse. Adam was given assignments from God before the Fall that he carried out. When sin entered into the world, work became more difficult, but work itself is a blessing. Besides profitably filling our time, work gives us an opportunity to glorify God: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23–24).
Christians should not be lazy or indifferent as they go about their jobs. They should work hard, keep a positive attitude, be respectful, and be diligent. There are few places in life that are more revealing of the state of our heart than the way we approach our work. A Christian who is not diligent in his labor will not be an effective witness of the gospel.
Proverbs 6:6–9
Many people will work hard and get the job done if they know the boss is watching, but otherwise do the minimum to get by. Some people will work hard consistently for more money or prestige or to advance their careers. But as Christians, we are to work hard at whatever job we have because we are servants of God. Our duty to be a good reflection of His character and nature should impact the way we perform any task we are assigned.
There is a constant temptation to grumble and complain about work, but it is one we should resist. Work is not a curse. Adam was given assignments from God before the Fall that he carried out. When sin entered into the world, work became more difficult, but work itself is a blessing. Besides profitably filling our time, work gives us an opportunity to glorify God: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23–24).
Christians should not be lazy or indifferent as they go about their jobs. They should work hard, keep a positive attitude, be respectful, and be diligent. There are few places in life that are more revealing of the state of our heart than the way we approach our work. A Christian who is not diligent in his labor will not be an effective witness of the gospel.
Today’s Growth Principle:
Realizing that work is a gift from God and that He is our ultimate boss will change our attitude toward our job.
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