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)
Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.
As Christians, we should strive to be the best worker, home executive or student you can be. If we don’t, then we simply disgrace the Lord we serve. If we work hard in all that we do, and we lead a responsible life, we will have many more opportunities to share our faith, because people will respect us.
Think of Joseph (in the Old Testament) for a moment. Even though he was sold into slavery by his own family, he still worked hard and diligently in every position he held. His hard work made all the difference.
In the Bible it is written, “ The Lord was with Joseph and blessed him greatly as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did” Genesis 39: 2-3 (NLT)
Friends, you cannot expect other people to take your message seriously if they don’t see that you are serious in what you do. Don’t let people notice you for your laziness, but rather, draw attention to the Lord by your diligence. Our faithful and responsible actions will be our greatest sermons.
Luke 16: 12 is a very interesting verse: “And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own”
Luke 16 is saying that you need to be faithful to the person or company that hired you. You have to be faithful in that which is another man’s. God is not going to open a door for you to achieve your dreams of success if you don’t show up for work on time, or if you don’t do a full days work. You must serve your boss or company with all your heart, so God can make you prosper.
3. Lead others to Christ
Titus 2: 9-10 (NLT)
Slaves must obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back, or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Saviour attractive in every way.
I know we are not slaves, but this verse most definitely applies to workers and employees of today.
In the working environment today, employees are more worried about and making demands for their rights than they are about getting the job done. (Example: What did you say? That’s it; I’m going to the CCMA.) The verse in Titus is a direct contradiction to the current wave of thinking.
As Christians (note what I said – Christians) – our goal is not to win our own rights, but rather win people and souls for God.
- Your work may be difficult
- You may work for the boss from hell
- You may think that you are overworked and underpaid.
- You may think that your job is boring and insignificant
But it is not. God has placed each and every one of us in our place of employment for a reason – to let our light shine. Your dedicated work and attitude towards your boss, co-workers and work in general may just be the thing that wins an employer or supervisor for Christ.
Conclusion
Luke 12: 16-21 (NLT) – Read in your bible.
This parable clearly indicates something that we need to protect ourselves from. We all have to do work in order to function in society. We all need to make money to survive – the Word says, “if a man shall not work, he shall not eat”
We must be careful that we don’t get caught up in our work, that we leave no room for our families and God. Remember, without a passionate pursuit of God and the things of God, we will never truly find fulfilment in life.
Salvation prayer
If you have been battling with your attitude towards work, I would encourage you to be motivated by the word of God. We have an amazing God, who cares about every area of our lives, including our work. The Word however, takes on a different tone and power when we have an established personal relationship with God. When we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, His word will help and guide us everyday and in every way.
If you have never accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, I would encourage you to make that decision today. While all eyes are closed, if you want me to include you in my prayer this morning, please just raise your hand.
Prayer after me:
“Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. I ask you to come into my heart, forgive me and erase my past mistakes with the blood you shed for me on the cross. I make you my Lord and Saviour. Oh God, you’re now more than my God, you’re my heavenly Father and I am going to serve you all the days of my life. Jesus is my Lord, Amen.
May God Bless you.
Hylton Davidson
18 May 2010.
Acknowledgements & resources: NLT Silver ring Bible, NLT - Hope for Today Bible - Joel Osteen, Joel Osteen - Book - Becoming a Better You, Joyce Meyer - Book - I dare you.
