Tribute to the Working Man - Doing alll to the Glory of God

For those of you on the 9-5 grind, here's some encouragement: Your work matters. It may not seem noble to you when you're hammering out next year's budget—or hammering two-by-fours into place on a job site.

But step back for a minute and look at the big picture. Life is about more than just earning a paycheck. It's also about making an eternal impact. Ask yourself, "How can I make this matter for eternity?" Here are a few ways:

Be diligent. We live in a culture in which people do only what they have to do. But if you want to stand out, be the guy who goes the extra mile. Stay a few more hours. Put in the extra calls. The Bible tells us in Ephesians 3:20 that God does "exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" (NKJV). If we're created in His image, we need to have that same mind-set.

Be inventive. Use your head for something besides a hat rack! Figure out how to "figure things out" on your own. Be an independent thinker. Don't wait for someone to draw you a map—stretch your creative ability. Visualize the problem and ask yourself, "What does the right solution for this situation look like?"

Be determined. A problem can sometimes seem like an unclimbable peak. Make it your mission to find alternative ways around the mountain. Find ways to increase your value to the team by solving problems. Don't wait to be told what to do or how to do it. Identify problems and attack them head-on with creative solutions.

Be humble. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you are willing to give the credit to somebody else. Too often, we're fighting to be recognized. Philippians 2:3-4 says: "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." Hold a realistic opinion of yourself. Don't be sheepish about your weaknesses—or your strengths. (The mark of humility isn't denial.) Don't take the glory for yourself, but share your success with others. Recognize your dependence on God.

Be teachable. To be teachable means to be a risk-taker because it means doing things in a new way. You have to risk being found wanting when you admit that the other guy's idea is better than yours. Relying on the experience of others can help you to keep out of ruts. Stay open to new ways of doing things. Don't rely only on past experience alone. Your way may not always be the best way. There's more virtue in admitting when you're wrong than in trying to justify you're right.

Be gracious. When you get cut off in the car, do you let it ruin your entire day? We like to sulk and hold onto something because, hey, it makes us feel good. But Jesus demands more of us. In Luke 17:4, He says that if someone "sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him." Resentment acts as a poison, eating away at you. It causes you to be ineffective at work and miserable to be around. Don't let others' attitudes or actions derail you. Ask God to give you His perspective on the matter.

Be energized. Find ways to stay charged up. Set goals and move toward them. The Bible tells us to "run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Heb. 12:1-2). Find inspiration in God's Word first thing every morning. Take time to work out to combat stress and keep your edge. Remember, it isn't the company's job to keep you motivated; it's yours.

Be dependable. Real leaders are people you can trust: They keep confidences, they're trustworthy, they handle good news and bad news equally the same. There's a consistency that causes people to be comfortable around them. They also keep their word. If you say you're going to come to a meeting at 9 a.m. and you show up five minutes late, you show that you can't be trusted. Also, you're saying that your time is more important than everyone else's. Need a pin to pop that inflated ego? James 5:12 says, "Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.'" Be a man of your word.

Be optimistic. Often, we rush to judgment about people and situations. We immediately assume the worst. But when we snap to a judgment it's usually the wrong judgment. The Bible reminds us that we are to "believe the best" about people (see 1 Cor. 13), believing in what God can do through somebody else. When it comes to situations, remember that He is in control of everything. Why should you worry if God's got your back?

Be submitted. God can do far more through you than you can ever do on your own. Success is about being under God's authority and following God's game plan for your life rather than relying on your own experience or gifts or education. Don't ignore your talents, but submit them to the Lord. Proverbs 16:9 tells us that a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. God gave you a brain and He expects you to use it, but subjugate your ideas to the wisdom and direction of the Lord.

via newmanmag.com

Posted via web from Dennis's posterous