In review of Ephesians 6:6 this morning, I'm reminded “Don’t just do what you have to do to get by, but work heartily, as Christ’s servants doing what God wants you to do” (The Message).
Paul's instruction in this verse encourages responsibility and integrity on the job. As a Christ follower, I need to do my job / work as if Jesus Christ was my direct supervisor. As a leader of others, I need to treat those who report to me with fairness and respect and not as machines. I need to remember that no matter whom I work for, and no matter who works for me, the one I ultimately aim to please is my Father in heaven. Whether or not anyone else sees what I do, God sees, and he doesn’t want me to waste the time and resources of my employer.
It doesn’t matter If I’m happy or not happy with my job or even think I’m underpaid, It doesn’t matter. God’s Word tells me to do more than just the minimum required. God calls me to give my best. This is what integrity looks like.
There are those who only work hard when their boss is watching, or take extra long breaks every day, or consistently come in late and leave early. Interestingly enough God compares this kind of work ethic to vandalism? Proverbs 18:9 says, “Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism” (The Message). The Living Bible translates the verse this way: “A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things”.
God considers it a serious sin when if I don’t give a full day’s work for a full day’s pay. Even if no one else around me gives their all, as a follower of Jesus I should.
When I work as if I’m working for God, he will bless my integrity. My employer will likely notice my commitment to the success of the company or organization, and that may lead to financial blessings. But more importantly, I will grow spiritually as I work in obedience to God.
In summary, I should never just do what I have to get by, but work heartily, doing what God wants me to do. No matter who I work for or who works for me, the one I need to aim to please is my Father in heaven. He doesn't want me to waste the time and resources of my employer. God's Word tells me to do more than just the minimum required. I'm called to give my best. This is what integrity looks like. God considers slack work habits and work as bad as vandalism. God considers it a serious sin when I don't give a full day's work for a full day's pay. Even if no one else is doing it, as a follower of Christ I need to. When I work as if I'm working for God, he will bless my integrity and I will grow spiritually as I work in obedience to God.
Today’s verse and study is a great reminder and encouragement for me to continue to have integrity in my work. Father I pray this morning that you help me maintain this perspective. I also pray that you help me work into my busy routines, spending more time with my direct reports so that I can also help infuse this work pattern to those who only just get by. As this weekend, and the new ones starts, I ask for clarity and the ability to explain organizational changes that coming up so that I can prepare the team. I also ask for your wisdom and guidance for my day, my work, my leadership and my interactions with others. These things I pray through your Son Jesus name, Amen.
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