Diligence in our work is an imperative. Sometimes it seems, however, that we are good at keeping busy and doing much, but fall short of accomplishing much; producing much fruit. So is diligence a means or an ends? Do we do much to produce much or feel good about our doing? Do we work with integrity of heart?
RELEVANCE
For many years I worked in various sales capacities. Often I was not too good at doing much from the standpoint of my superiors—making as many calls or setting as many appointments as expected. However, more typically than not, I produced more than most; yet management frowned. They appreciated my results, but couldn’t stand the fact that I didn’t do it their way. A manager once asked me, “why can’t you just do what we tell you to do?”
Years later that same manager once told a client that I “made people who hated us love us.” You see to them, performance for performance sake was the goal. For me working as unto the LORD as His representative was the goal. It’s amazing how when you seek to work to please the One who created you, you end up producing fruit that counts.
“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do. Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance” (Hebrews 6:10-12 NLT).
REFLECT AND RELATE
While we have to submit to those above us, we must also please the One who created us; and is LORD. Ask God what He requires of you. He is your ultimate boss! See the scripture reference below.
REFERENCES
Psalm 75:6-7