You Are Being Observed

He started out working hard as a section hand for a railroad company. When he was given an opportunity to work in the shipping office for a few days, he jumped at it. During that time, his superintendent asked him for some vital facts and figures. “Have them on my desk when I get back in three days,” he said. The young man didn’t know anything about bookkeeping, but he worked three days and nights without sleep, and when the superintendent returned, he had the facts and figures ready for him. This won the respect and admiration of his superintendent, and as soon as a permanent position opened up, he recommended the young man for the job. Over time, the young man was promoted many times, and each time he was applauded for his thoroughness and trustworthiness. Eventually, he ended up as vice president of the Ralston Purina Company in St. Louis, Missouri, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of pet food. The Bible says, “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men” (NKJV). In The Message, Eugene Peterson paraphrases it this way: “Observe people who are good at their work—skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don’t take a back seat to anyone.” Whether you realize it or not, you are being watched on the job. Your character, your work ethic, and your attitude are being observed. And you will be rewarded not only according to the tasks you complete, but for your attitude and the way in which you complete them!