108. BLESSED AT YOUR WORK. Proverbs 22:29

The above Scripture is from Solomon he writes, “If you do your job well, you will work for a ruler and never be a slave.” But doing your job well is not genetic; you have to work at it. Sometimes this might mean burning the midnight oil, stretching to your limits and refusing to settle for less. As you watch true artisans working, you notice their attention to detail, their refusal to cut corners, their patience, dedication and the pride they take in their work. They inspire confidence and respect. There is not a more practical demonstration of true Christianity to be found anywhere. When they speak, people listen. If you doubt that, try sharing your faith with someone who sees you being dishonest, shoddy and careless with your responsibilities at home or at your work. It would be better to remain silent until you earn the right to be heard. In Colossians (3:17) we read: whatever your work “do it in the name of the Lord Jesus” Why? Because you represent Christ and His Spirit lives within you. You should set the industry standard for excellence at the company you work for. Your employees and customers should have confidence that they will get nothing but the best from you. Daniel, Shadrach, Mechachh, and Abednego , started out as slaves in Babylon, but ended up as the kings closest advisors. Why was that? Daniel (1:20) tells us;- Whenever the king asked for advice, he found that their advice was always ten times better than his own advisors could give him. God promises that excellent work will inevitably attract the attention of people who will promote and reward them. (Proverbs 22:29) says they may start at the bottom, but like cream they will rise to the top,” Cream doesn’t only rise to the top, but in the separation process it gets richer, smoother and tastier. Think about it! Hard work is another key to succeeding on the job. Hard work will reward you with more than enough. Any employer will tell you, their biggest challenge is finding and retaining good staff. Samuel again tells us in (Proverbs 10:4) Diligence makes rich and diligence means being self disciplined, motivated, alert, dependable also following through with things you start. Solomon tells us those qualities are priceless, because they are so hard to come by in an employee, so work on fostering those attributes and one day you will hit the top. The Bible teaches that your boss is responsible to pay you a fair days wage, and you are responsible to give him/her a fair days work. It makes sense to think if you want to prosper, make sure your employer prospers. Hard work is the way forward. “Work hard and you will be a leader, be lazy and you will end up a slave.” Instead of looking for ways to improve themselves, lazy employees sometimes try to find fault with their bosses, or with the systems they have to use, or even with their more diligent colleagues. These people want the privileges others get to enjoy, but are not willing to work for them. In (Proverbs 13:4) we read “The desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” They get it all; The satisfaction of a job well done, a sense of self worth, a reputation for integrity, the trust of others, job security, profit, promotion and best of all the knowledge that they did it God’s way. “Well done good and faithful servant,” Here is another important key to being blessed on the Job, Thoughtfulness. This is true whether you are the Manager, foreman or the grounds caretaker. The name plate on your door may imply that you deserve respect, but you have to earn that respect everyday, through your work ethic and your attitude towards customers as well as other members of staff. In The Old Testament, most people earned their living by farming and raising cattle, sheep and Goats, So Solomon offered this advice; (Proverbs 27:23) “Know well the condition of your flock, and give attention to your herds” Good leaders make it their business to know the needs, strengths, weaknesses, potential and motivational levels of those who work with them. As a result, employees sick-time is reduced, morale is improved, quality and productivity soar. Believe it or not, a pay increase is not always the only answer or motivator. Sometimes, your thoughtfulness, understanding and interest in an employee can also be a powerful motivator. When you truly care about people, you will bring out the best in them. And if you are an employee, God promises, in ( Proverbs 27:18) “He who guards his master will be honoured” If you keep criticizing those above you, those around you will begin to distrust you. As long as you resent your position as a follower, you will never become qualified to be a leader. The Bible relates in (Titus 3;1-2 We are supposed to speak well of those who are in authority over us. And if you can’t do that, say nothing and look for another job. I’m sorry if that all sounds a bit harsh, but that’s the way to be blessed at your work. One more thing. Honesty;- in order to be blessed on the job Remember this: :(Proverbs 10:2) “Treasures gained dishonestly, profits no one” We must all practise honesty, it’s unwise to steal, even if you are never caught and nobody ever sees you, God Does “Ill gotten gains profit no one” When you do wrong, not only will you have trouble, but you will bring trouble on those who love you and depend on you. The Word of God says:”(Proverbs 15:27) Whoever is greedy for unjust gain, troubles his own household” Think about it!! You could lose your job, damage your reputation, be humiliated, face costs and legal consequences which your whole family pays for, and end up in shame, all of which will negatively effect your children. Your spouse deserves an honest partner. Your children deserve an honest role model, confident that the path you walk is safe for them to follow. Radio commentator Paul Harvey stated that 40 per cent of American workers admitted to stealing on the job, and 25 percent of them felt justified in doing so. From what I’ve seen and heard New Zealand is on a par with the U S. They rationalise it by saying ‘Everybody does it, why shouldn’t I...The Boss can afford it..., They won’t miss it...It’s only small stuff, It wont make any difference...The company owes me, so I’m just taking what is mine...I deserve it, I’ve worked hard and never been acknowledged. Now, What does God have to say about this? (Proverbs 11:18) “The wicked person earns deceptive wages” When you deceive your employer the Lord says you are a wicked person. Who would you call or consider “A Wicked Person,” A car thief, A child molester, A drunk or druggy, or a murderer; if you don’t want to join the ranks of wicked persons, stop stealing now, before the problem gets too big for you to handle. Keep your hands off what doesn’t belong to you. Of all people, Employers and Customers should be able to trust a follower of Christ, to be honest, to earn their wages, and provide quality service. Thank you for reading this word on one of the most under-preached or taught of God’s Commandments. There will be no excuses on that day when we stand before God. We wont be able to say “I didn’t understand, or It was just a little thing, or Everybody was doing it. THOU SHALT NOT STEAL it couldn’t be any clearer. Pray; OH God give us the strength to keep our hands off what doesn’t belong to us and to overcome this problem by the power of Your Holy Spirit. God bless. Phaline.