Your work matters to God (2)

Thursday, 2 September 2010

'God cares about honesty in the workplace...' Proverbs 16:11 TM

The Human Resources Director was taken aback when he heard what the job applicant asked to be paid. 'You certainly expect to be compensated well for a beginner.' The applicant replied, 'Well sure, work is a lot harder when you don't know what you're doing.' A cute story, but 'God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is His business.' (Proverbs 16:11 TM) You should give an honest day's work for an honest day's wages. Eric Harvey says, 'Think about somebody you know who's of good character, and reflect on the characteristics that make them a role model... Chances are that high on the list is commitment - an unwavering dedication to being a good family member and friend - to doing their best on and off the job... to doing what's right, noble and decent. Committed people... have their heads and hearts in the right place. They keep their priorities straight... stay focused on what's important... What they believe drives how they behave, and how they behave determines their character... their reputation... and the legacy they leave.' Abraham Lincoln observed, 'Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality. It's the words that speak boldly of your intentions, and the actions which speak louder than the words. It's making time when there is none... it's coming through time after time, year after year. Commitment is the stuff character's made of... the power to change the face of things... the daily triumph of integrity over scepticism.' An admirer approached the world-renowned pianist Van Cliburn after one of his concerts and said, 'I'd give my life to be able to play like you.' Smiling, Cliburn replied, 'I did!'


*** The devotion today is about commitment and how work with passion and dedication pleases God. It is good to be honest in the workplace but the best etiquette we can ever have is commitment. It's what drives us to do better, strive greater and determine our character. Committed people have straight priorities.

I know I haven't given my commitment and best in anything yet and it doesn't make me a good steward of my talents. I feel guilty and ashamed of myself being like this. I can feel that I am bad in all sort of ways and I want to make it right but I don't know where to start. I am afraid but I want to pass this hurdle and continue on with my life. I want my attitude to be changed that in whatever work I have I can always glorify God. Am I pleasing God? In my judgement I know I am far from perfect but I believe in God's grace and direction.

I want to have commitment, passion and love for my work.

I want to love my work.

I want to be worthy of the job and talent God has given me.

I don't want to waste my energy in things that doesn't please God. In a way being a complainer is one thing I should get rid off. I know I don't like my job but by giving it to God it makes all the difference. Being committed (stop being lazy and working as if working for the Lord) makes the work a lot more easier and worth the effort.