Are you a person who does your work cheerfully? Or do you grumble about the tasks assigned to you? Do you willingly chip in to help others? Or do you attempt to get out of helping? Have you thought how that reflects, not only on you, but on God as well?
We all have days when we just don’t feel like doing anything. That is human nature. Yet we can’t be like that every day. In fact, that should not be our normal attitude about work. If it is, we are presenting a bad image of God’s people to others.
I’m sure many of us have known at least one person who puts more time and energy into avoiding work than they would have to if they simply did the task. They spend time making excuses, thinking up reasons, and going somewhere to hide from doing their work or helping someone else. The question we must ask ourselves is, “Are we that person?”
That question is not an easy one to answer for ourselves. Why? We often fool ourselves into thinking we are great at our job; we are a wonderful employee. To honestly answer the question, we must take a hard look at ourselves. We must recognize when we are avoiding the task and make a conscious effort to change our attitude toward it.
Why is this important? As stated earlier, it is a bad reflection on God as well as us. Whether you think people know or not, they know you claim to be a child of God. When we don’t go about our work with a good attitude, people take notice. When we argue and grumble with one another, people take notice.
Our negative attitude tells those who are also followers of Christ that we are not really taking on His teachings and applying them in our lives. It tells those who aren’t Christ followers that we are no different than them and it gives them no reason to become a follower of Christ.
I have personally experienced the results of being a positive example in the workplace and a good friend. I have seen it cause someone who was not a Christ follower to become a Christ follower. I have seen that person become an active member in the church he attends.
Folks, our attitude makes all the difference in the world. We can develop a much better attitude by learning more about Jesus and taking on His personality. Jesus is the Word of life. He is our perfect example. His teachings will guide us to be the person God desires us to be.
I pray we all look to Jesus as our role model. I pray we take time to know more about Him. I pray each one of us will honestly evaluate our attitudes and make positive changes. Give up the bad attitude. Be a cheerful worker. Be a helper. Willingly pitch in to help others. Follow Jesus’ example. Ask God to make the changes in you. Trust God.
Philippians 2:14-16a Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.
Marty Pressey 