We are living in a season when our Christian values are being questioned as to whether they have any worth in the modern world, and our lifestyles as Christians examined, to see whether we in fact live up to the standards our words demand of others. Our most powerful witness to our claim that Christ lives within us, is not our words, but a Christlike character lived in obedience to the word of God. This produces a quality of life and witness that differentiates us from those who live by the world’s standards, and establishes us as someone who others want to be like. Then, and only then, is our testimony likely to convince an unbeliever that Jesus Christ is a person worth following and surrendering ones life to, and our life reflect the character of God to others.

This article looks at some of the biblical instructions and scriptural principles that apply to how we should conduct ourselves in the workplace. Living to these standards will not only please God but almost certainly ensure us of greater impact and reward in our chosen career.     

   
God’s interested in what you do for work; He’s also interested in how you do it. The truth is, your prospects for the future are determined by your work ethic. Let’s look at the book of Proverbs and look at some work habits you may wish to avoid or acquire if you want God’s blessing.

Laziness. “I went past the field of the sluggard…the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins…I…learned a lesson…A little sleep…folding of the hands…and poverty will come on you like a bandit” (Pr 24:30-34 NIV). Laziness produces lack just as surely as a thief will rob you.

The Bible says lazy people are:

(a) Procrastinators. “A little sleep…folding of the hands.” They say, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” but tomorrow never comes.

(b) Expensive to maintain. “He who is slothful in his work is a brother to…a great destroyer.” They complain, cut corners, cripple businesses and cause hardship.

(c) Quitters. They quit before the job’s finished. “The lazy man does not roast his game” (Pr 12:27 NIV). He hunts the deer but he won’t clean it. Unfinished projects fill his life: half-built cupboards, half-painted rooms, half-tidied garages. Sound familiar?

(d) Masters of excuses. “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside!’ or, ‘I will be murdered in the streets!’” (Pr 22:13 NIV). When he runs out of credible excuses he goes for ridiculous ones. He “will not plough because of winter” (Pr 20:4 NKJV). “You want me to get sick going to work in this weather?” Or if it’s warm, “It’s way too nice for work!” Whatever your work, do it conscientiously. Don’t let laziness rob you of success.

When it comes to having a work ethic, “Go to the ant, consider its ways and be wise” (Pr 6:6 NIV). These tiny giants of industry teach us valuable principles for living. Observe three things about them:

(1) The ant “has no commander, no overseer or ruler” (Pr 6:7 NIV). Nobody has to get it out of bed in the morning or coax it to get moving. Nobody supervises its work or enforces quality standards on it. Nobody needs to micromanage its time on the job or make sure it starts punctually, puts in a full day, pulls its weight and doesn’t quit early. It’s self-motivated and driven by its own high standards, not by rules, regulations or the fear of being fired.

(2) It “stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest” (Pr 6:8 NIV). While everybody else is complaining about the heat (the weather, the economy, politics, etc.), the hard working ant just keeps preparing for the future. Later, in the more moderate temperatures of harvest time, it continues gathering. Disregarding the conditions, it works. Then while others are struggling to survive it feasts on the fruit of its labour. “Watch and learn,” is God’s counsel.

(3) The ant is no haphazard, disorganised drifter wandering around aimlessly, looking for something to do. He knows exactly what he’s there for and where and how to do it. He’s goal-directed, focused, determined and unstoppable. You can’t keep a good ant down! “Consider…and be wise” (Pr 6:6 NIV). “But my job’s a dead end,” you say. As long as you’re in this job do it “heartily, as to the Lord” (Col 3:23 NKJV). Prove yourself where you are and God will promote you to better things.

If you want to succeed in life practise honesty! A recent poll stated that 40% of workers admitted stealing on the job, and 20% felt justified! Their rationalising includes: “Everybody’s doing it, why shouldn’t I?” “The boss can afford it, he won’t miss it.” “It’s only small stuff, it won’t make any difference.” “The company owes me, I’m just taking what’s mine.” “I deserve it, I’ve worked hard and never been acknowledged.”

What does God’s Word say about this? “The wicked … earns deceptive wages.” God says deceiving your employer by stealing time and materials or delivering an inferior product and service, is “wicked”. That’s strong language! Of all people, employers and customers should be able to trust followers of Christ to be honest, work for their wages and provide the highest quality service.

And for the record, it’s not smart to steal, even if you don’t get caught. “Ill-gotten gains do not profit” (Pr 10:2 NAS). You may take it but you won’t benefit from it. “Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles” (Pr 13:11 NAS). You can’t do the wrong thing and get the right result. Not only will you have trouble, you’ll bring trouble on those who love and need you most. “He who profits illicitly troubles his own house” (Pr 15:27 NAS). The job loss, damaged reputation, humiliation, legal costs and consequences are a ‘bill’ the whole family pays for, often ending in shame and divorce and affecting several generations. Your spouse deserves an honest partner. Your children deserve a role model they can emulate, confident the path you walk is safe for them to follow.

If you want to succeed on the job here’s a character quality you need to develop: diligence. When asked, “What’s your biggest challenge?” employers usually say, “Finding and keeping good people.” It makes or breaks any business. “A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich” (Pr 10:4 NRS). Diligence calls for being self-disciplined, motivated, alert, dependable, and entails following through. The Bible says, “Diligence is…precious” (Pr 12:27 NKJV) because it’s so hard to find.

Diligent workers are worth their wages: “The plans of the diligent lead to profit” (Pr 21:5 NIV). In God’s system the boss should profit by you and you should profit by him. Indeed, diligent people plan to be profitable employees. Do you want to prosper? See that your employer prospers! Diligent workers rejoice in this, lazy workers resent it. Diligence, not politics and manipulation, will get you promoted. “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labour” (Pr 12:24 NIV).

In God’s economy you determine whether you become “ruler” or “slave” by how hard you’re willing to work. Lazy employees complain about the unfair boss, the biased system, the ‘company men’ who look out for the boss and the boss who looks out for them. They want the privileges others get but they’re not willing to work for them. “The sluggard craves and gets nothing” (Pr 13:4 NIV) because “his hands refuse to work” (Pr 21:25 NIV). “But the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied” (Pr 13:4 NIV). They get it all: the satisfaction of a job well done, a reputation for integrity, the trust of others, job security, profit, promotion, and most importantly, the Master’s “Well done”.

Another Bible characteristic to acquire for job success is thoughtfulness. That’s so, whether you’re a general in the army or a “GI Joe”, the company president or the nightshift caretaker. Character is not class-conscious. You don’t demand respect, you earn it every day. If you’re in a leadership role, the Bible says: “Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds” (Pr 27:23 NAS).

Good employers and supervisors make it their business to know the needs, strengths, weaknesses, potential and motivational levels of their workers. As a result employee sick time is reduced, morale improved and quality and production soars. A pay increase isn’t always the best motivator. Sometimes your thoughtfulness, understanding and interest in your employees are a more powerful motivator. The old ‘kick them in the pants’ philosophy is a sure-fire way to generate resentment and undermining. Being respectful and caring invites cooperation, makes allies, not adversaries of employees and employers, and brings out the best in everybody.

If you’re an employee God promises, “He who looks after his master will be honoured.” It’s not cool to bad-mouth the boss, even if your peers egg you on. Ultimately those around you will distrust you because they know that at some point you’ll do the same to them. Speak well of your boss, honour him or her and submit to their authority (See Rom 13:1-7). If you can’t, say nothing and look for another job; otherwise you’ll be judged for undermining them. In the parable of the talents Jesus said that the workers who took care of their boss’s interests were rewarded richly. Yes, God will honour you for respecting even a difficult boss!

Nothing contributes more to job success than skilfulness. Skilled workers excel by study, practise and hard work. Second best is unacceptable. “If you do your job well, you will work for a ruler and never be a slave.” (Pr 22:29 CEV). Skilfulness isn’t genetic; you don’t inherit it, you work for it. You burn the midnight oil, stretch to your limits and refuse to ’settle’. Watch a skilled craftsman; your esteem rises at their attention to detail, refusal to cut corners, patience, dedication and pride of product. They inspire confidence, respect and trust. There’s no more practical demonstration of genuine Christianity than being a skilled worker. When they speak people listen. If you doubt that try sharing your faith with those who see you being dishonest, shoddy and careless. Better to be silent until you earn the right to be heard!

Whatever your work, “Do it…in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Col 3:17 NIV). We should be ‘raising the bar’ because we’re Christ’s representatives. We should set the industry standard for excellence. Knowing we follow Christ should give employers and customers confidence they’ll get nothing but the best.

The skilful worker can’t lose, because God promises that their work will inevitably attract the attention of people who’ll promote them and reward them. “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings” (Pr 22:29 NIV). They may start at the bottom of the ladder, but their destination is a rung higher up.

If you would like to receive a daily email containing a short devotional and bible readings into your electronic mailbox each morning  simply go to http://www.thewordfortoday.com.au/ and register your email address for this free service.

Source: Australian Prayer Network

Posted via web from dg4G’s posterous

So, continuing my posts on stuff that has influenced and helped me, here’s a recent “stuff”…

When I was unemployed last year, I came across Worship The Rock (WTR).  I posted about that back here.

I met a bunch of great worshippers, and eventually found my way onto (into?) Twitter, where I’ve subsequently met the vast majority of you guys, o wonderous blog readers.

One of the first WTR friends I met is a multi-talented guy, and just about the time I joined WTR, he posted a new song there as well as on his blog.  It’s a rough, 4AM kind of demo, but the lyrics really resonated with me and what I was going through during that period.

For a few days, I listened to it over and over. I’d be lying if I said it was my style musically, but the imagery of the lyric and especially the chorus, the passages of Bible that it led me to, made me want to take this further than passive listening. So I asked Nate if he had the chords written down.  He didn’t, but I sat down and worked them out which is not something I would usually consider doing.

Then I recorded it myself – my first cover. Ha!  And the second thing I ever did in GarageBand.

So now, here it is for you…both the original demo, and my – uh – somewhat “altered” rearrangement. I’m also including this as my April song for Our Creative Community – with other things going, I’ve not finished anything new, though I might have something relatively early in May for you. Yes, I know I didn’t write this song, but … oh … whatever …

Lyrics and some Biblical inspiration are here too…and thanks to Nate for allowing me to post his demo. You’ve been a huge blessing to me Nate, and to many others as well

Ephesians 4:22-24:
Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires (the ‘mud’), to be made new in the attitude of your minds, and to put on the new self (His ‘clothes’), created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Your Clothes

I’ve walked away from those awful things
I’ve closed the door on all that before
I’ve poured the shame and poison down the drain
I have repented – how many times will I hurt You?

Father I just want to make you proud
Every time I stand I fall down
These are Your clothes, no one would know
I have covered them in mud
Holy Father wrap me in your arms
Tell me how to be more like you are
These are Your clothes, no one would know
Lord please wash away the mud

Lord I have turned to you
I have learned what is right
Guided by Your light
I’ve found my way, so Lord if I stray
I will repent – how many times will i hurt You?

CHORUS

You’ve called me to be more like You
Lord help me be what you want from me ‘cos
I just want to please You
I just want to please You
I just want to please You Lord

CHORUS

Your Clothes – David Goodwin

But I’ve scrapped all of it and decided I’d let you guys do it for me.

What does it mean to you to be the church as portrayed in the book of Acts?

And, as you probably know, I’ll get involved in the comments anyway.

Sure, these posts don’t exactly generate a lot of comments, but then again, the only ones which really seem to are my attempts at vlogging with Diane and my reflections on worship.  Neither of those are really about me.  Hmmm…

Anyway, an update on work:

1. I still work

2. It still provides us with finances

3. I’m still working with the guy from this post on his current funkiness, which is going ‘well’

4. I’m trying to be more focussed on work, even though it’s not my passion…so dealing with the guy in 3 up there is actually helping me in that.

5. I’m incredibly grateful for the amazing amount of flexibility I have in my work.  I basically run the company (that’s not big-noting, just statement of fact) and have the support of the owner to “re-organise” my hours so I can be part of this.

So while this may not be my first choice of career, the blessing of work cannot be overstated.  Thank you, work.

Your turn now: How is your family provided with income? Do you love it? Why?

We spoke a lot without really saying much.

Or did we…

This got me thinking about some discussions, blog posts, tweets and just stuff in general that have been floating around lately.  Don’t freak…it’s ok; I do that sometimes…

Authenticity refers to the truthfulness of origins, attributions, commitments, sincerity, devotion, and intentions.

This is taken from the header of Wikipedia’s summary on authenticity.  It barely touches the surface, but I don’t think it intends to go deep…there’s a lots of pages below to navigate.  But read the Bible first. And maybe this too.  I’ll stop with the reading links now.

It’s easy to hide behind the written word, it’s much harder on film.

Yes, I know there’s always the actor factor to consider, but I’m no actor, so what I see in those videos reflects more of the real me than you could ever get in my writing.  I think it creates a better connection than just having my words here in various fonts.

Of course, it may have the effect of completely alienating people too…but I’d rather have any illusions of who I may be shattered early in my (blogging) life.  I like me, and the me I am becoming, despite the occasional pain of the journey.  God is bigger than the pain, and how I deal with it determines whether I dive deeper into Him, or just stay dog-paddling on the surface of His immensity.

An unexpected side effect of all this is that I’m now examining every area of my life and minimising the possibility that someone might be getting the wrong impression of me.  Starting last night at our church pastoral leaders meeting, continuing today at work (speaking of which, it’s AGES since I did a ‘work’ post…), and ending…when I die I guess…!

I’m tired of the fascades I see so many around me wearing.  I want real.

Jesus is real : imitate Him

And yeah, more videos will follow…but for the moment, here’s us…

now…

real.

What do you mean you didn’t know we were Mogwai martians??