Integrity on the Job

Chuckle: “Few things are more dangerous to a person’s integrity than having nothing to do and plenty of time to do it.”

Quote: “He who labors as he prays lifts up his heart to God with his hands.” –St Bernard of Clairvaux

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23 NIV).

In ancient China, the people desired security from the barbaric hordes to the north. So they built the Great Wall of China. It was too high to climb over, too thick to break down, and too long to go around. Security achieved! The only problem was that during the first hundred years of the wall's existence, China was invaded three times. Was the wall a failure? Not really -- for not once did the barbaric hordes climb over the wall, break it down, or go around it. How then did they get into China? The answer lies in human nature. They simply bribed the gatekeepers and then marched right in through a gate. The fatal flaw in the Chinese defense was placing too much reliance on a wall and not putting enough effort into building character (integrity) into the gatekeepers. –Illustrations for Biblical Preaching; Edited by Michael P. Green

Perhaps we need to be reminded that it is God’s plan for us to work. In Scripture some words describing God’s work and the work of man are interchangeable, and we know that work is God-ordained. But the entrance of sin into the lives of people changed work from joy to toil. If we view work as toil, it can be difficult, tiring, boring, and worrisome. That would explain why Paul instructs us to work as an act of worship to bring glory to the Lord. If we see work as an act of worship, we will find great joy in our labor.

I’ve heard it said that your ideal is what you wish you were; reputation is what people say you are; character is what you really are. Our character and integrity are tested and revealed regularly in the workplace. Sometimes our work brings anxiety, stress, and frustration, and it’s during these experiences that our integrity and Character are put to the test and our true nature is on display for all to see.

Every Christian should strive to be the best possible employee no matter what work he or she does. If we work as if we are working for the Lord, there will be no room for grumbling, laziness or dishonesty. Our display of integrity on the job is a great witness for our Lord. Co-workers will quickly notice your integrity and become more receptive to hearing from you the good news of Jesus Christ.

“Every child should be taught that useful work is worship and that intelligent labor is the highest form of prayer.” –Robert G. Ingersoll

Love, Jerry & Dotse