Work ethic can be defined as the following:
Work ethic is a value based on hard work and diligence. It is also a belief in the moral benefit of work and its ability to enhance character.
Most people I interview will state that they have a strong work ethic. As a matter of fact, I have only interviewed one person out of thousands that have stated that they were lazy(at least he was honest)! That is a story for another time. Let us look at what a good work ethic is and how you attain it.
I believe that a person with a good work ethic will be punctual. Punctuality isn’t just about being at work on time, but it invades every facet of work performance. Being at meetings, conferences, and meeting deadlines on time are also important. It sends a great message to the people around you when they know they can count on you to be on time. Conversely, when a person is consistently late, it sends the message to others that your time is not important to me. It simply comes down to doing what you said you were going to do!
I also believe a person with a strong work ethic will be a person of integrity. Being honest and having high moral character, even when it comes at a cost, is a sign of integrity. Ecclesiastes 7:1 says “A good name is better than precious ointment” and Proverbs 22:1 says “a good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold”. It is important that your coworkers, bosses, customers, and employees be able to “take your word to the bank.”
A sense of Duty is a crucial part of a great work ethic. Being a person of responsibility is a person that shows up each day with a willingness and determination to give their absolute best effort in all they do. This affects how a person will work and the quality in which they do it. General Robert E. Lee was quoted as saying, “Duty is the sublimest word in the English language. You can never do more than your duty, you should never wish to do less.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, “whatever your hand finds to do, do with all your might.” Also, Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters”.
Finally, a person with a great work ethic will always exemplify self discipline. In fact, it takes great discipline to have a great sense of duty, to be a person of integrity, to be responsible, and to be on time. There are many times when our self discipline is tested. Whether we choose to stay up late and watch the end of the ball game, or cut the TV off to get a good nights rest test our discipline. Each day we are faced with many ‘choices’ which test our discipline. When a person is committed to having a strong work ethic, that right ‘choice’ or decision becomes easier. Proverbs 6:6-8 says “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.” 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 says “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.”
These are a few thoughts on a strong work ethic. Titus 2:7-8 shares great wisdom. “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” Until next time…