How to be blessed at work (1)

Solomon wrote, “Skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don’t take a backseat to anyone” (v. 29 MSG). But skillfulness isn’t genetic; you have to work at it. Sometimes that means burning the midnight oil, stretching to your limits, and refusing to settle for less. As you watch true craftsmen, your esteem for them rises. You notice their attention to detail, refusal to cut corners, patience, dedication, and pride in their work. They inspire confidence and respect. There is not a more practical demonstration of true Christianity! When they speak, people listen. If you doubt that, try sharing your faith with those who see you being dishonest, shoddy, and careless. It would be better to remain silent until you earn the right to be heard. The Bible says that whatever your work, “do it…in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17 NIV). Because you represent Christ and His Spirit lives within you, you should set the industry standard for excellence. Your employees and customers should have confidence that they will get nothing from you but the best. A skillful worker can’t lose because God promises that their work will inevitably attract the attention of people who will promote and reward them (see Proverbs 22:29 MSG). They may start at the bottom, but like cream they rise to the top. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and ego started out as slaves in Babylon. But they ended up as the king’s closest advisers. Why? “Whenever the king asked for advice, he found their wisdom was ten times better than that of any of his other advisors” (Daniel 1:20 CEV).