An Attitude Of Gratitude Towards Work

An attitude of gratitude towards work

Introduction

On of the greatest problems we face today, believe it or not, is the attitude we take to work. When I refer to work, I mean any form of work.

We must not look on our work as a gloomy monotony, a burden to be borne. We must learn to have a healthy attitude to any form of work we may do.

- Some rebel at their work as an unpleasant duty.

- Some only do their work because they must.

- Some go about their work in a spirit of resignation – “You can’t do anything about it. You might as well take it as it comes”

You may not have the perfect job, but you need to thank God that you have a job. Some people would love to have your job.

In a survey done by the South African Institute of Race Relations at the end of 2009, there was a clear indication that unemployment in SA is on the increase. In 2008 some 4 114 000 people were unemployed, equating to an unemployment rate of 23.1%. In 2009, unemployment was 23.6%, equating to 4 125 000 people. Press Statement 1 December 2009 –SAIRR Website.

"We need to fan the flame and go to work with new enthusiasm. Don’t go to work with a long face and waste half your day doing nothing. Instead give your employer 100%. Do your work, whatever it may be with all your heart, to the best of your ability. Stay passionate. Everyone around your may be slacking off and walking around with a sour attitude. But as a Christian, we are not everyone.

If you go to work with a smile, full of life, full of joy, full of victory, before long, you will rub off on others.

Don’t do things out of obligation or duty, but rather do them with an attitude of gratitude.

In other words, I don’t have to go to work; I get to go to work. I don’t have to clean the house; I get to clean the house. I don’t have to go to school; I get to go to school." Joel Osteen.

In order to have this attitude of gratitude, when need to get motivated.

In her book, “I Dare You”, Joyce Meyer’s, refers to motivators – things that force or propel us forward or cause us to take action on something. One of the good motivators that she refers to is – The Word of God.

Being obedient to the Word of God is one of the best motivators we could ever have. You don’t have to feel like doing something! But if we are willing to obey the Word, God will be pleased with us.

Obeying the Word of God in essence is serving God. We must allow the Word of God to motivate us when it comes to our work, studies and even day to day activities.

What does the Word have to say?

1. Work as if you are working for the Lord

Colossians 3: 22 – 24 (NLT)

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching. Serve them sincerely because of your fervent fear of the Lord. Work willingly at whatever you do as though you were working for the Lord rather than other people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward and that the Master you are serving is Christ.

While the world is focused on working for their own welfare, Jesus instructs us to work out of a deep desire to please him.

The world out there is working to get ahead, as Christians we need to work hard to show the world who we are really working for. When you work as if you are working for the Lord, your whole outlook and input changes.

Do you want to change your attitude towards your work, studies, etc? Then take this verse to heart.

- If you are a stay at home mother, tackle the dishes, washing and cooking as if you were serving the Lord, not just your family.

- If you work for a company or you run your own company, do your work as if you were doing them for the Lord. Treat your co-workers and employees as you would the Lord himself.

- If you are a student, don’t study and work hard for yourself, your teacher, your parents, study hard as if you were serving the Lord.

Your work and efforts may be unappreciated and underpaid in this life, but God promises to give you your full reward in heaven (vs. 24)

This leads us onto our second point.

2. Strive to be responsible

1 Thessalonians 4: 11 – 12 (NTL)