Have you ever reflected on what the people around you would say about your work ethic?
The fact is, putting God first is more than starting the day with Him in prayer and Bible reading. It is all of life. Here are five tips to help us put God first in our work.
1. WORK WITH INTEGRITY
Paul told Timothy to set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. (1Timothy 4:12)
Be a person of integrity by being honest, trustworthy and doing what is right no matter who is watching or how much it costs. By taking responsibility for obligations and promises. We will not set a good example if we slacken off and don’t keep our promises. Putting Him first means we are promise-makers and a promise-keepers. Jesus commands us to fulfill the oaths. “Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.’ Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” (Matthew 5:33,37)
2. BE RESPECTABLE
Everyone wants to be well-liked, but those who put God first consider being well-respected is far more valuable. They are good leaders and team players because they have a peaceful disposition, apply themselves to the work and the wellbeing of others. They are self-controlled, hospitable, listen to others, and are willing to learn from their mistakes. God’s Word commands us to “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honour the king.” (1 Peter 2:17) They allow the Holy Spirit to guide their words and actions in a way that reflects God’s love and patience to their coworkers.
3. BE ENCOURAGING
We can all relate to being overwhelmed on the job. Can you remember receiving an encouraging work or a tap on the shoulder which boosted your confidence? God’s Word encourages us to motivate those around us and build each other up. “let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24). A brief thank you note or congratulations goes a long way in strengthening relationships. When we see someone tired and discouraged, God can use us to encourage them to keep working and improve.
4. BE TRUTHFUL
We can put God first at work by remembering the importance of being honest and truthful in every task we do. Whether you report spreadsheets, drive a forklift, give performance evaluations, or student reports, it is vital we are truthful. Sometimes, the hardest thing todo on the job is to tell the truth — especially when there is risk involved. The world will tell us to “adjust” the figures to look better than we are. “Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.” (Proverbs16:8). God is more concerned for us to be truthful than successful.
5. WORK HARD
We show we are putting God first when we cheerfully work hard no matter what the job, or who’s watching. We know that we are not working in our own strength. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” (Ephesians 6:10).
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance.” (Colossians 3:23)