Working heartily for the Lord
“I want to meet with all our Christian associates once each quarter,” Michael, the company’s CEO, said to his senior staff. “I’ve made a commitment that we want to operate this company on biblical principles. I want to be accountable to you and those believing associates to keep that promise and seek their advice on how we can improve. What do you think?”
His staff’s response stunned Michael.
“You can do that if you want,” said Phyllis, the sales manager. “We respect your desire to get unfiltered feedback, but you should understand that some of our worst associates are Christians.”
Perry jumped in, adding, “James is lazy and must be prodded to complete his work.”
Before Perry could finish, Ronnie, the operations manager, piped in: “Pete crows about his faith all the time, yet he gets ready to leave 15 minutes early every day, and Sarah must be coaxed to get her to do anything outside the ordinary.”
Not to be outdone, Charles, the CFO, added, “William does just enough to get by and nothing more. It is like trying to move the Rock of Gibraltar to motivate him.”
Is this the way it is everywhere? I hope not. But it is all too common. We should hope that in any company the most praised associates would be the Christians. How can we accomplish this? One believer at a time. Let me give you a few keys:
First, willfully decide you want to be more than competent. Paul told the Colossians, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” John Piper says it even more forcefully: “It is a sin to do less than your best. It is wrong to do [merely] well.” Your work, done with godly motivation, is a daily act of worship. Do you want this? Second, decide you’ll engage your brain. Not everyone is given great initiative, but everyone can ask himself, “How could I become a better employee? What could I practice, train for, or change to improve?” Have you done this? Are you willing? Third, decide you’ll go the extra mile. Jesus said, “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” Does this accurately describe your attitude? Many are too busy protecting their own turf. Fourth, recognize that your purpose in this quest is not your own glory, or to be lauded by men, but to maximize your progress in becoming mature in Christ. Purposeful and passionate goodness is your motivation—not money or promotions. Become passionate about your growth. Your work matters to God.Christian workers should desire that their bosses would say of them, “I don’t share their belief, but I sure wish I had more workers like them. They’re the best employees I have. I wonder why they work so faithfully. Maybe one day I will ask them.”
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