God & Work & School

We spend more time at work or school than anywhere else.  Most people see their co-workers more than their spouse or children.  We get a lot of satisfaction out of work . . . or a lot of frustration.  

It's an important part of our lives.  

Here are some things to think about.

1.  We are created for work.  

Work isn't a curse, it's a blessing.  God made Adam and Eve and put them in the garden to ... work.  Not lay in a hammock and take it easy.  They had a job to do.

Work shouldn't just take away from our lives, it should add to our lives.  It's our main way of adding to the world.

Think about it:  When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

The reason why you had a dream is because God wired us to work.  A farmer, doctor, janitor, mother, mechanic.

2.  Hard Work is better than Laziness

There's little value in being lazy.  Sure, you can get great at World of Warcraft.  But that doesn't even impress the girls.

There are few guarantees of success.  But one thing is sure:  Hard work will always get you farther than being lazy.  Work hard at working hard.

3.  You don't know where your work will take you.

Maybe you will be wildly successful.  Maybe you won't.  The ways of God are mysterious.  Life will probably not work the way you plan.  Keep going.

4.  Lazy people usually think they're destined for great things, but obstacles block their way.  In truth, they need to roll up their sleeves and work hard.  

If you blame your lack of progress on other people/lack of opportunity/bad breaks, it might be proof that you're lazy.  Get to work.

5.  Accept your position, and obey your boss.

This is how it works:  bosses give order, workers follow them.  "Employees, obey your earthly bosses with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart. Work with enthusiasm."  Eph 6.5-7

Be humble and accept your position.  Do it well.

6.  Honour people who work under you.

Just because you're a boss doesn't mean you should be a jerk.  Treat staff as you would want others to treat your kids.  Honour them like they're the most important people in the world.  

7.  Can you clean the foodcourt?  If not, please do not apply.

I watch the workers cleaning the foodcourt at the mall.  They were my parents' age (not kids with their first job).  They did their job well.

Sometimes we think certain duties are below us.  I'm too important for that.  Be faithful in the small things, and you will be worthy of more responsibility.  Work is all about serving others, not about being served.

8.  You are more than your career.

Don't let your profession define your whole identity.  You are more than a teacher or a scientist or a zookeeper.  Letting your career define your identity is like colouring with only one colour.  It become real stiffling too.

9.  Working hard to support your family is honourable.

Some people just must work to raise their family.  And maybe they hate their job.  That's ok.

Supporting your family is one of the most honouring things you can do.  

10.  It's not just what you do, it's how you do it, and how you treat people along the way.

On school . . .

Tell this one to your parents:  School doesn't make you a better person; it just makes you smarter.  

It's great, because it opens doors and provides opportunity.  But if you're a jerk anyway, I would rather the door stay closed to you; I don't want some cruel egomaniac as a boss just because he has a fancy piece of paper.  

When you're in school, it's your job.  Do it well.