Working Hard
As you know the economy in America is having some troubles now. I know there are many factors that contribute to this trouble, but there is one that I don't hear much about. I believe that part of the prosperity of America has been the work ethic. I am aware that some other nations have strong work ethics, too, but I believe the USA is unique. Japanese are hard workers, as are Koreans and other Asian people groups. However, the American work ethic has been based on our Christian heritage, which is quickly passing away. Therefore, people in America are not willing to work as hard now as before, on a whole.
The Biblical principle is stated in several places, but Colossians 3:23 is one of the best. It states, "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men." Therefore, Bible believing Christians have promoted a very strong work ethic, because we think of all of our work as being for the Lord. He is our ultimate boss, and our main concern is to please Him, not people. That leads to quality work in every area of life. This work ethic has been picked up by children and others who were not Christians, but as the society moves from the Lord more and more, people become more selfish, and they work only for themselves, which leads to a decline in the quality many times.
Not only that, but in working hard we are like God to an extent. God likes to create things and to be fruitful. When we apply ourselves in our work, we are being conformed to His image in that way, too. It pleases Him to see His children being responsible and being good stewards of all He gives them.
I know that there are exceptions to what I am saying, but I hope you see that Christianity has helped even the American economy, and now its influence is waning as the economy struggles. I want a revival and an awakening, so many people will come to know Christ as Lord and Savior, and they will have eternal life. That is the main thing. However, an awakening and a great revival would help our country in many ways, even economic ways, too. I hope all of the employers will see that their Christian employees are the hardest working and best employees, so they will be drawn to Christ by their work ethic. That is a great way to witness to employers, too.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 13-14 and John 12:1-26.
The Biblical principle is stated in several places, but Colossians 3:23 is one of the best. It states, "Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men." Therefore, Bible believing Christians have promoted a very strong work ethic, because we think of all of our work as being for the Lord. He is our ultimate boss, and our main concern is to please Him, not people. That leads to quality work in every area of life. This work ethic has been picked up by children and others who were not Christians, but as the society moves from the Lord more and more, people become more selfish, and they work only for themselves, which leads to a decline in the quality many times.
Not only that, but in working hard we are like God to an extent. God likes to create things and to be fruitful. When we apply ourselves in our work, we are being conformed to His image in that way, too. It pleases Him to see His children being responsible and being good stewards of all He gives them.
I know that there are exceptions to what I am saying, but I hope you see that Christianity has helped even the American economy, and now its influence is waning as the economy struggles. I want a revival and an awakening, so many people will come to know Christ as Lord and Savior, and they will have eternal life. That is the main thing. However, an awakening and a great revival would help our country in many ways, even economic ways, too. I hope all of the employers will see that their Christian employees are the hardest working and best employees, so they will be drawn to Christ by their work ethic. That is a great way to witness to employers, too.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 13-14 and John 12:1-26.