What Does The Bible Say About Work Ethic?

We spend most of our time at work. So having a good work ethic is an important asset. Not only does having a good work ethic help you accomplish your goals, but it also helps keep your stress levels low and your spirits high. Research shows that several benefits come with having a positive attitude. If you struggle with motivation, you might need to change your outlook to get back on track. So what does the Bible say about work ethic? What does it mean to be a diligent Christian in your career? And what can we learn from those who had the faith and perseverance to be successful in the secular world? Here we explore what the Bible says about work and how we as believers should conduct ourselves daily in our vocation.

What does the Bible say about work ethic?

According to Merriam-Webster, work ethic is a belief in work as a moral good. A set of values centered on the importance of doing work is reflected in a desire or determination to work hard. The term “work ethic” is not in the Bible. However, there are several references to work in the scriptures that help us determine the work ethic of a Christian. One of the most important values you can develop is a solid work ethic because it can aid you in accomplishing what God has called you to do. Working is not a requirement for salvation, but it can reveal and develop your God-given gifts. Using your talents on your nine-to-five is instrumental in showing love and building the kingdom. Ephesians 4:28 notes that labor done for the good of others is encouraged. Divine prosperity requires a commitment to serving others, and a positive work ethic can help nurture it. Colossians 3:23-24 says that whatever you do, always do your best and work as though you are working for the Lord and not man. Throughout the scriptures, there are passages, like Psalm 128:2, that mention how God rewards those who work hard.

What is a Christian work ethic?

A Christian work ethic is an ideology about work that includes Godly principles. Those principles involve working diligently, caring for family, and sharing what you make with those in need. A work ethic with Christian principles is essential. It’s a way to honor God, instrumental in God’s provision, and the world’s standards for work and success differ from kingdom principles. It’s possible to be kingdom-minded when faced with issues in the workplace. Let’s look closely at what the Bible says about this subject.

Honoring God through work

1 Corinthians 10:31 says that you should do everything for the glory of God. He is seen in you when you offer an encouraging word to a co-worker or assist a teammate in need. Diligence is another way to honor God in the workplace. Christ is glorified in your perseverance. Diligence requires remaining committed to a task even when you don’t feel like it. It means being persistent at work in the face of obstacles. Galatians 6:9 says that you must never get tired of doing good and will receive your reward at the right time. Yet, don’t make the reward your focus. Instead, set your attention on honoring God in all you do. 

How work is an instrument in God’s provision

The Bible is bursting with God’s promises. Blessings that God wants to give you. Unique experiences that he would like for you to have. Jehovah Jireh always provides for his children. Yet, it is frequently not in the way that you expect. Obedience is often necessary for God’s provision. Deuteronomy 5:33 says that you must obey or adhere to the Lord’s commands to live a long prosperous life. God calls us to work. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 notes that those who don’t work shouldn’t eat. There are times when the need we are hoping God to meet is reliant on the work we’ve put in to achieve it. Obedience is an act of faith. When you trust someone, you will do what they say. No questions asked. 

The world’s standards and God’s principles

The Lord has set a standard for all Christians to live. The world’s standards for work and success differ. For example, the world honors principles focused on self-sufficiency and playing “the game” to get ahead. In contrast, Christian standards place God at the center of our workday. You can find Christian principles throughout the Bible. The life and ministry of Christ depicted in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John provides a model for Christian living. Books like Psalms and Proverbs also offer significant contributions to what it means to operate with Godly principles. It can be challenging to be successful in the secular world but look at great men and women like Ruth, Job, and Joseph. They managed to live for God amid turmoil and worldly pressures.

Related: 5 Tips On How To Be More Productive At Work

How can you build your work ethic?

We all want to be successful in our chosen field. The values that make someone fruitful in their profession may vary. However, there are general principles that every successful worker should have in abundance. It is possible to create or improve your work ethic. How you approach your work is the key to building a solid work ethic. It’s about mindset. Many things can help cultivate a solid work ethic; three of my favorites include discipline, wisdom, and balance. 

• Discipline: Discipline is a dedication to your tasks and means that you are not afraid to work hard. Be willing to contribute the necessary hours and energy to get things done. Theodore Roosevelt said that “Comparison is the thief of joy.” It’s true! When working, your responsibility is yours alone. So don’t compare yourself with others. Instead, concentrate on your own work and be proud of yourself and your efforts. 
• Wisdom: Wisdom ensures that you are aware of your strengths and weaknesses. In some instances, working harder doesn’t mean working smarter. If you can automate a task to free up your time and resources, do it! Working hard doesn’t mean doing everything by yourself. Learn to delegate responsibilities to another staff member or a contract employee. Using wisdom, you can ensure you don’t waste time on tasks that don’t benefit your goals.
• Balance: You need to balance work with other aspects of life. There is no point in working all the time if it means neglecting family and friends. Disregarding other vital areas of your life only leads to frustration and burnout. You must be able to include both work and rest in your schedule. 

Finally

The Bible has a lot to say about a Christian work ethic. Several passages address work and its importance. These scriptures clearly show that the employment of our skills was a part of human existence from the beginning. Biblical teachings encourage us to work hard and show that our careers should not come before the responsibilities of faith and family. 

It’s essential to cultivate a Christian work ethic. Your diligence, ready generosity, and endless joy bring honor to God. His light reflects in you, so never tire of doing good. God calls us to work, and obedience to his word opens the door to provision. Kingdom principles place God at the center of our workday. We don’t have to play “the game” because of our relationship with Christ. Our promotions come from him, not the world.

A work ethic is a particular way of thinking that you can adopt to help you perform your duties. However, you must remember that even God rested—God blessed the seventh day and made it a holy day. He made it special because he rested from all his work while creating the world on that day. Like him, God wants you to work diligently, but He also wants you to rest. So how can you improve your work ethic while finding time to relax?