Living with Purpose
In my classroom I use positive verbal tools to motivate my students. I tell them, “If it’s worth doing at all, it’s worth doing well”. Aptly applied self-motivation can help many a discouraged learner. This particular quote is closely related to the Bible verse found in Ecclesiastes 9:10 where it says, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your strength.” Jesus Christ, the greatest teacher who ever lived, had a reputation of being a hard worker. Particularly with his hands, since his earthly father had taught him the trade of carpentry. His work, without a doubt, was done with all his might. Even at an early age, he had knowledge of his purpose in living. He told Mary, his mother, “…didn’t you know I must be about my Father’s business.”
It’s always been interesting to me to carry on conversation with people who do entirely and strangely different work from me. The passion some display when they talk of their work ignites my own inner drive. Nothing is anymore Scriptural than the discipline of a good work ethic. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men. Remember that you’ll get your reward from the Lord. He will give you what you should receive. You’re working for the Lord.”
Any responsible adult who is faithful in their professional work has the opportunity to instill character into another person and inspire them. Inspire them to not just “do any kind of job”, but to make “good work” his or her goal. There’s hardly anything more gratifying, particularly for a person who teaches, guides, mentors, or helps another, than to see their protégé become a success at what they do. To help someone develop standards and principles and help raise their sights beyond just “getting the thing finished” is to promote character development. What would the world be like, if there were no dedicated people who gave of themselves? Are you one of these? People are counting on you. It makes no difference how menial or how unimportant you feel your job is. Throw yourself in it with the attitude I’m doing this for God, not man. Believe that you can positively affect someone through your work; even if it’s only one! All work counts in God’s eyes, because there is no time that should be wasted. One of my Army Chaplain mentors, CH (MAJ) Tim Wilson, would often tell me, “Redeem the time CH Dobson, redeem the time!” (Eph. 5:16).
When we see ourselves doing something meaningful and with our best effort we are calling upon the attitude within our soul. Personally, I perform my own tasks as a teacher, military chaplain, pastor, and community leader not for vain glory, but because I love God and I know it’s Him who gives the ability and the opportunity.
Try to remember the following eleven (11) thoughts, as I do, when it comes to your own work:
- Do things with a sense of enthusiasm believing the outcome can and will make a difference.
- Depend on God to lead you to the right place, at the right time, to say the right thing to the right person.
- Jesus was often moved with compassion. So, be sensitive to help the lonely, the less fortunate, and the lost. God will put you in positions to help people who are struggling.
- When doing your work, empathize with others; putting yourself in their place. Understanding the load another person carries helps you realize just how much you have to be thankful for.
- Everyone is weak and needy in certain areas. Help others using your own personal strengths. Many times people will return the favor when you need a helping hand.
- Use God-confidence in your work instead of always relying on self-confidence. God has an unlimited source of power.
- We become tiresome when working. So, draw strength from daily prayer and Bible reading. This will help you achieve much more and with much greater efficiency.
- Attend church and give financial support, as you have opportunity, to local mission projects and abroad. You work hard for your money, but you can never out give God. Be a cheerful giver.
- Expectations are seldom, if ever permanent. So, be flexible to the needs of those you meet and to your loved ones. And be realistic with the expectations you place on yourself.
- It’s impossible to please everyone and some people don’t want your help. But at least offer yourself. Many times people’s feelings change as they realize you are sincere.
- Ask God to make your work so important to you that you sense that you’re serving Christ through it as you inspire others.
I know these things can help you because Proverbs 16:3 says, “Trust your work to the Lord, and your plans (work) will succeed.” This is positive living at its best! Do these things understanding if we go courageously for Christ in this life, he will go with us through death and be with us in the life to come.
This weekly column is written by Matt Dobson. A graduate of Florida State University, Univ. of West Florida, and Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, he is Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in Jay, Florida and a 1LT Chaplain in the U.S. Army Reserves. Matt can be reached by email: rmdobson@liberty.edu. He welcomes your thoughts concerning faith, belief, and Christian living. Visit the Living With Purpose website at www.living-with-purpose.org