Having The Right Work Ethic
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles Tags: Bible Lessons on WorkOne of my favorite daily cartoon strips is “Dilbert” produced by cartoonist Scott Adams (also this bio). In the strip, Mr. Adams mocks technology, leadership fads, and incompetent managers.
Regarding employee laziness and deceit, the author writes:
“When it comes to avoiding work, it is fair to say I studied with the masters. After nine years …. I learned just about everything there is to know about looking busy without actually being busy.”
I can vouch for the truth of the above assessment by Mr. Adams. While working for a major gas pipeline company a few years back, I observed several office employees “looking” busy, but they could never seem to clear their desk of paperwork. They just moved the paperwork from place to place, giving a false impression of being “busy.”
In contrast, Christians have a much higher calling when it comes to working in the workplace. In fact, we should strive to be the best hard-working employee a company has.
The Scriptures tell us to exhibit a respectful attitude toward those who employ and supervise us:
“Servants (slaves), be obedient to those who are your physical masters, having respect for them and eager concern to please them, in singleness of motive and with all your heart, as [service] to Christ [Himself] – Not in the way of eye-service [as if they were watching you] and only to please men, but as servants (slaves) of Christ, doing the will of God heartily and with your whole soul; Rendering service readily with goodwill, as to the Lord and not to men” (Ephesians 6:5-7 AMP).
The right work ethic begins with a heart of sincerity in which we consider the Lord as our employer. And we please Him when we, without reservation, diligently serve our supervisor and fellow employees in the workplace.