Jesus Had a Strong Work Ethic

Key Verse to Read and Treasure

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

For Insight

People who have a strong work ethic take their work seriously and devote their working hours to going above and beyond what’s required of them. They are usually self-determined and don’t need outside motivation or pep talks. Even if they have an immediate supervisor or manager over them, they are not waiting for that person to tell them what to do next. They know how to manage themselves and their time well. They tend to be promoted over others because they bring a level of excellence to their work those around them don’t. They will concentrate on turning out quality above quantity.

We might assume that because Jesus was God in the flesh it was easy for him or automatic that he would fulfill the purposes for which God sent him. But Jesus was not only God, he was flesh, and born into this world he also had a free will. He chose to use his free will to become obedient to the Father’s will. Everything he did reflected his strong work ethic. From the time he was a child, teaching in the temple, he displayed this strong ethic that was with him the entire time. He did not spend his days laying around, staring up at the clouds, just waiting to be back home in heaven, wasting precious time. He was not sloppy about his work but did everything with excellence. Although he was in touch with the Father and spent time in prayer, Jesus did not need God to wake him up every day, pump him up, and remind him what he was here for. By the time Jesus went to the cross Jesus had no regrets. He had no need to pray for more time because he had used each day wisely and each year to its fullest.

If we want to be like Jesus in every regard then we also want to adopt his work ethic. No matter what we are doing or what season we are in. When we were growing up our mother would often remind us “Even if you grow up and sweep streets, then be the best street sweeper you can be. Let someone know you were there because your street is cleaner than all the rest.” She let us know God cannot promote you until you show yourself promotable.          

The best way you can represent Christ, honor the Father, prove the Spirit is abiding in you is to adopt a strong work ethic and let it shine through everything you do. Your work ethic will stand up for you, it will defend you, it will be the cause of your promotion and increase, it will allow God to work through you and he can accomplish through you what he needs to.

Jesus, I want to be more like you. Grant that I will have a strong work ethic, learn to work “heartily” for you, that you can use me for your good purposes on earth. Amen

Application:

Where would you rate your present work ethic? Is it one where God can use you to his glory and to fulfill his purposes?