A Job Well Done

Good morning! I hope your weekend was restful and that you have entered this new week refreshed and energized.

This past week I finally crossed the finish line of a goal I had been working on for the past few years. After years of lectures, research papers and examinations, I finally completed my Masters Degree. The feeling of satisfaction and the knowledge of a job well done has made all of the effort worthwhile.

Today I want to talk about your work ethic. In our society today many people work as hard at getting out of work as they do at doing their work and many others head off to work each day filled with dread and completely unsatisfied. Is this really the way it should be? Consider the following verse:

Galatians 6:4-5 (NLT)

Be sure to do what you should, for then you will enjoy the personal satisfaction of having done your work well, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else. [5] For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

It is important that we not just view our work as “a job”, but instead view our work through the lens of “a calling.” When we understand that God has placed us in our current roles for a reason, then we can find much deeper meaning in our vocations.

When we have a deep sense of purpose in our work then the sacrifice of self to accomplish our tasks is second nature. Our work is no longer drudgery, but instead a cause for which we will gladly give our very best.

One of the traps and excuses of poor work ethic is the comparison game. We look around and set our sights on that one person who is getting more reward than we are. We become critical and negative when we enter into this arena. Comparison is dangerous; it generally leads to either pride or discouragement, neither of which is healthy.

When we do our work well, there is no need for comparison. We take satisfaction in the effort that was put forth and the completion of the task at hand. The work was its own reward.

Today if you are dissatisfied in your work, I encourage you to evaluate your work ethic. Are you viewing your work as a call or a job? Have you given your very best? Have you worked for the glory of the Lord?

This week remember that no matter who signs your paycheck, your work is unto the Lord. Give him your very best and take satisfaction in a job well done.

Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.

Carl