What should a Christian’s work ethic be in the workplace?
Well, my dear friend, this is one of my favorite topics! In short, I believe that we should remember that in our work, we are truly serving Christ and not just our bosses. This will help us to demonstrate “an excellent spirit,” just as Daniel of old. Consider how important our testimony is, whether at home, in school or at work? In 1 Timothy 6:1, we read, “Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.” The bond servant in this verse was not to oppose his master, but to give him all honor—he was to not only treat the master with respect but was to give due diligence to the work assigned to him because he represented Christ in this world. As children of God, no matter what our station in life, we have a responsibility to glorify the name of Christ in our walk, and we have every opportunity every day to be a witness for Him. What a shame it would be if we dishonored the name of Christ by being lazy or untrustworthy in our jobs—those in the world will regard Christianity based upon what they see in our lives. On the other hand, if godliness and an excellent attitude characterize our walk, think of the powerful testimony to the world that will result. Who can say how God might use that testimony to His glory? In considering these thoughts, see also 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 1 Corinthians 4:12; Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:23-24).
Oftentimes, I find that the Old Testament brings out vivid pictures of scriptural principles; and, when thinking about diligence in work and a great attitude, I immediately think of Daniel. One might also look at the life of Joseph, the son of Jacob, during his time in Egypt. But, for this response, I’ll focus on Daniel. You will recall that Daniel was brought to Babylon as a young man among the captives of Judah; yet, though compelled to go to a foreign land as a prisoner with all his rights and possessions removed, he maintained a godly walk and an excellent attitude. Because of Daniel’s faithfulness, God prospered him, and he ultimately was advanced to very prominent positions in the governments of two great empires. The account of Daniel 6 describes Daniel’s rise in the second of these two empires, that of the Medes and Persians. In Daniel 6:1-3, we read, “It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.” How is it that this captive from Judah should suddenly find himself above the presidents and princes of Darius’ empire? This is not the account of a man who succeeded by simply working hard or by having much ability. The world is full of those kinds of people. But Daniel possessed the kind of spirit which leaders greatly desire in their subordinates. He was honest, hardworking, and entirely dependable. These are the kinds of men that bosses (and kings) love—they do not have to worry about such men but can trust their most important affairs to them without fear that ambition, greed or dishonesty will threaten their trust. Daniel is the kind of man you would want in your own organization. Even the world appreciates such remarkable qualities. But where did this excellent spirit come from? I believe it is tied to Daniel’s devotion to God, and so it should be for Christians in the workplace. (SF) (563.4)