When did you discover the value of working hard? Or, did you ever?
For me, it hit me somewhere around age 19. I just coasted through elementary and high school and “earned” from excellent to good grades. Then there was the university. Competition was tough. Classes were tough (and I wasn’t prepared either academically or in maturity for the jump).
Then, duh, I learned to go to class and do the work.
That is a life-long trait. I can relax, but I know the value and benefits of working hard.
Recently I have been listening to Rick Warren. He’s pastor of Saddleback Church in Orange County, CA. He’s been discussing living a blessed life (from the Sermon on the Mount, you know, Blessed are the …). Today he was talking about how God expects us to be people of integrity. And one example of integrity is to work hard. If someone is paying you for a day’s labor, then give that person your undivided attention and focus on the work.
Work becomes a Spiritual Discipline if done with the right attitude and focus.
Hard work also becomes a witness. I heard a story from a business man in a developing country. His example, his hiring practices, and his treatment of employees with the highest ethics served as a witness bringing many people into discipleship with Jesus.
Warren said, “Wouldn’t it be great if you could say I hire Christians because they always work hard and have the highest ethics.”
Bringing our spiritual life into all facets of our life is the most important thing we can do.
Tags: actions, attitude, Discipline, Ethics, lifestyle, Work
Faith Venture 
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