Workmanship

If you are part of the working class population, scripture has much to say about this area of your life.

1.  If you no longer feel valuable (and content) in your job, it may be time to look somewhere else for your employment satisfaction.

Maybe you feel you’re stuck there because of family responsibilities. That attitude of doesn’t cut it. We all make choices (throughout our life) with repercussions that can be either negative or positive. (Activate your decision-making skills now.)

2.  How can you be the best version of yourself (for family or friends) unless you performing what makes you truly passionate? (If you are a mom or dad, this is one profession that it is not an option to exit no matter how rough it gets. Parenting is a lifetime challenge that many people struggle with).

“I won’t set my eyes on anything worthless…” (Psalms 101:3, CEB)

3.  It’s difficult to find competent and hard workers that are willing to go above and beyond what is required of them to excel to true excellence. Ultimately (in any work situation), the true boss is not a human being, but God. (I Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17)

Realistically, taking shortcuts with your job so you can do unauthorized, non-work related activities is the same as defacing property. Both are costly to correct. Guess which one is more socially acceptable? (Here’s a hint: it is not one that might involve spray paint.)

“Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism.” (Proverbs 18:9, MSG)

You’ve probably met (or are aware of) the office drama busybody. That’s someone in the workplace who’s dramatically meddles in everyone’s personal business, and thus stirring up strife, which can cause rumors.

Don’t fall into that trap. Mind your own business, and do your own work. The only two reasons to get involved in someone else’s personal life are their safety is at risk, or they privately ask you too.

“Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own work…” (I Thessalonians 4:11, MSG)

4.  When you are succeeding in your job to upward employment mobility, be respectful of others you are passing by. (One day you may need their help.) Treat others as you would wish to be treated in the office. (Matthew 7:12)

“…don’t bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.” (Psalms 37:7, MSG)

5.  How you look absolutely determines how well you do on your job. Dressing neatly and grooming appropriately gives you an air of dignity and intelligence to others (even if your internal emotions are not speaking that to your brain). Give it a try.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” (Proverbs 31:25, NLT)

6.  God did not make you a robot. After years of intense work, your body needs adequate sleep at home, nightly time away from work and yearly breaks (or vacations) for your mental stability.

Even God took a day off at the conclusion of creation. If it good enough for our Heavenly Father, shouldn’t that be a clue to us all work-wise.

“On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation, so He rested from all His work.” (Genesis 2:2, NLT)

With the right effort in the office, you can become the Almighty’s workmanship to those around you as a masterpiece of exquisite technique, value (and beauty).

Luke 6:38 (MSG) gives us the solution to the effort needed to become like this. Does the verse below describe you? (If it doesn’t, what can you do to come in alignment with it?):

“Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back-given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”

P.S. You may also find the companion post “Guidance for Bosses” useful with this topic as well.