(This is posted by my daughter, Sheryl)
Ephesians 6:7 With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men. (NASV)
In this day and age of self-gratification, it seems to be the standard to do as little as possible. If someone works hard and diligently, they are perceived as an anomaly. Why not just do the bare minimum and be satisfied with low standards? I see this attitude daily in my own workplace, and am certain it is present elsewhere.
I was raised in a family that followed the old saying “a day’s work for a day’s pay”. Everyone who has ever worked in my family, from my grandparents to my parents to my brother and myself, has worked with a high standard, striving to do the best possible job regardless of the work or pay. Unfortunately, I see many who do not share that view.
I recently got a new job as a painter helper after being unemployed for over 7 months. In addition to my natural work ethic, my gratitude for having been blessed with a job makes me want to give all I can. When there is no “work” to do, rather than sitting around talking, I start sweeping or similar tasks to keep me busy. It became obvious within the first couple of weeks that I had a higher work ethic than some of my co-workers. I was even told by one person that I “need to get rid of that attitude of doing so much. That’s not how we do things around here.” What was I doing that was “so much”? I simply wanted to wipe down a railing before it was painted so that the paint sticks better and cleaner. The task itself only took a couple of minutes and was easily done without interfering with the painting process, yet apparently it was excessive in this person’s eyes.
Being surrounded by people who like to take longer breaks and are happy with substandard work, I cling to the message of Colossians 3:23 and do my work heartily. I remind myself that I am not here to please or serve man, but God, who has blessed me with a job and so much more. The wonderful thing is, as I seek to please God, it is noticed by man. One person commented during my second week “You don’t seem to mind working. In fact, you seem to enjoy it.” Just this past week another co-worker stated that I work harder than anyone she’d ever met, and that it was noticed, because everyone was talking about it. It brings to mind Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light so shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (NASV)
I have never been good at witnessing and evangelizing – those are not the gifts God has blessed me with. I am a little too blunt to demonstrate the tact required (a gift of my earthly father, I think). So I must allow my “good works” to be my witness. When people question me about why I work so hard, I can say with confidence and joy “I work for the Lord.” God is the only One I need to please. The beautiful blessing is that as I please God, I also please my supervisors and leaders. As long as I keep my focus on God, I can do no wrong.
Sheryl