HARD WORK? OR HARDLY WORKING?

I was speaking at Le Tourneau University last week to a group of professors. They asked me what B4T businesses thought of graduates from their school. I replied, “Generally speaking, many of our workers are not pursuing graduates from Christian schools because in our experience many Christian school graduates do not know how to work, or have a poor work ethic.”

Nowadays too many of us want to have everything handed to us. A solid work ethic, being a hard worker, is among the most important qualities needed in a B4Ter. It is what brings success to our businesses, our families, and our lives.

“Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than ordinary people.” Proverbs 22:29

Hard workers, excellent workers, are always concerned about quantity and quality. They become invaluable to their company because they are productive.

“Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and never succeed.” Proverbs 12:24

The hard worker’s mind is on getting things done, a hard worker is a finisher. And while working they notice what’s not being done, and do those jobs as well – without being asked. They look for work and they look for ways to get work done better and faster. Such habits, such work discipline sets a hard worker apart, resulting in him becoming a leader.

“…but those who work hard will prosper and be satisfied.” Proverbs 13:3

Hard workers don’t hesitate to take responsibility for their work. They understand that work is worship, meaning the way they work brings honor to God. They take initiative, they lead. They don’t fear working long hours, for their work is a gift to God. Though appreciated, their primary motive for their work is neither money, benefits, or vacations; but rather to glorify Jesus. Prosperity is measured in the gifts they can lay at Jesus’ feet, not the dollars in their bank account.

“If the salt has lost its saltiness (or value), it becomes good for nothing and will be cast out and rejected.” Matthew 5:13

Anything that doesn’t work is either fixed or thrown away. Anything—including people. If we don’t work hard—or won’t work—we may be discarded and rejected. As slaves of Jesus, we are to work for the benefit of others. We are not to grumble. We are to put in extra effort—go the second mile. Our work is to bring glory and honor to our Master.

B4Ters are to be hard workers. We are to out-perform others, do what others won’t do, set the example.

Young people, if you long to glorify Jesus through your life, if you yearn to be a leader, and if you wish to work with us in doing business that transforms lives among the unreached—learn to work hard.