WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL,3RD OCTOBER - WORKING HARD

Hi, everyone. I hope you had a productive week, and that you applied the principles of excellence at your workplace. 

Today we look at a related topic, working hard.

Why is it important to work hard? What does the Bible have to say about this subject?

Proverbs, as always has interesting words.

Proverbs 12:24 "Work hard and become a leader, be lazy and become a slave." (NLT)

Who would you rather be, the leader or the slave?

Proverbs13:4 "Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper." (NLT)

I think the above verse is entirely self-explanatory. If you work hard, you will prosper. There are times, however, when the rewards of hard work take ages to be seen. At this point, you need more than the promise of earthly rewards to keep you going. I like what the following verse has to say about this.

Galatians 6:4 "Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won't need to compare yourself to anyone else." (NLT)

The fact that you have done your job or task well should give enough motivation to keep going.

There is another scenario, though. As a Christian, you have an example to set for your co-workers. How do you pull this off when you're doing a job that is hard and doesn't give immediate rewards?

2 Timothy 2:15 "Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth." (NLT)

If you do your work well, God approves, and so do your co-workers. If you then decide to share the Word with them, they will be more receptive.

Titus 2:7 "And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching." (NLT)

Actions speak louder than words. Your work must reflect your beliefs. You should focus on working hard and doing an exemplary job. People will always be on the looking to see how your values hold up under pressure.

Hard work pleases God. Hard work sets a good example for those around us. A Christian is expected to work hard as part of his or her witness. Remember that even if you don't get a reward here on earth, you have an eternal reward waiting for you.

Work hard, and bring glory to God as you do so.

1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." (NLT)

I wish you all the best as you do your best to work hard at whatever
God gives you to do this week. Don't forget to rely on God for strength.

Philippians 4:13 "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." (NLT)