Work Hard

Proverbs 12: ¹⁴ From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,
    and the work of their hands brings them reward.

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After hanging out all night, I felt it necessary to get my rest. I mean I went to bed around 2:30AM and had to be at work downtown at 7:00AM. Since I did not have much money I had to be there earlier because there were three parking meters that were missing and I could park all day for free if I got one of them. I stumbled in at 6:30AM, chose my favorite stall in the restroom and went to sleep.

• There were times where my work ethic was not high.
• There were times when my thoughts about work were of lower priority.
• There were times that I stole time from work doing my own thing.

Immaturity made me think the world owed something to me. I mean can’t “they” understand that I am young, single and full of life? They must understand that I “need” to be out late to grow my social skills, right? Wrong!

• GOD wants me to be diligent in the work HE has given me.
• GOD wants me to produce for whoever I work for, even if they are a “bad” boss.
• GOD wants me to work as unto HIM even thought I may not like the job.

My attitude had to change, fast! GOD changed my heart towards work and enabled me to mature. HE gave me praise on my lips about jobs and showed me HIS might. GOD give me my reward for my positive attitude.

• Are you complaining about your job?
• Do you think your job owes you something?
• Will you start praising GOD about your job instead of complaining?
• Will you become more diligent about working because you are working for GOD?

Being Defensive

Job 20: ² “My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer
    because I am greatly disturbed.
³ I hear a rebuke that dishonors me,
    and my understanding inspires me to reply.

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Evaluation time was here again and I sat across from my boss feeling like a child. Inside my head my eyes were rolling because the words were not flattering. When I had enough, I spoke up. My boss said something profound. “Don’t be defensive, take these words and exceed.”

• Sometimes I don’t like it when I’m criticized.
• Sometimes I don’t like it when my flaws are pointed out.
• Sometimes I don’t like it when I’m told to improve.

I’m alright just the way I am, aren’t I? Well, maybe. One flaw of Job’s friend Zophar is that he was blaming Job for Jobs’ calamity. While he was well meaning, he was trying to get Job to admit to guilt that Job did not possess. Zophar could not improve and considered Jobs’ rebuke as an insult. I feel the same way at times. I mean who wants to be told “Your face, hair, body, personality, decisions and actions are all wrong?” GOD told me to listen to my boss.

• GOD says to me “Be slow to anger.”
• GOD says to me “Listen to wise counsel.”
• GOD says to me “Vengeance is mine, I will repay.”

I don’t mean stay around an abuser of power, but what I am saying is “work for GOD not for humans.” When I work for GOD then I try harder to please HIM rather than pleasing mankind. My actions may seem strange but my heart will be right. When I hear a criticism, I can then way it against what GOD says and if there is truth to the statement, be willing to change.

After I made internal changes and asked others what I could improve, I got promoted three times. Pride blinds, GOD opens my eyes and HE opens doors.

• Are you mad at your evaluation?
• Is someone being critical of you in a healthy way?
• Do you believe you cannot be criticized?
• Will you drop your defenses and listen to see if GOD is trying to reach you?