This is an actual conversation (not exact words)–
BOSS: So, if you would like to eventually become a supervisor you need to step it up a bit. You need to improve your attitude.
EMPLOYEE: Yeah, but I do not have any incentive to do that.
This young employee’s thought is that in order for him to step up and do his best, he should be given financial incentive. Come again? What happened to the natural process of stepping up to do a difficult job, doing your best, and then being rewarded for that behavior? It seems like so many have it all turned around. Anyone who deals with employees, or children, for that matter, sees this on a regular basis.
Reward me first. Like that is going to change how they perform. This sense of “entitlement” has permeated our culture. I see it in my kids. “I deserve this” is not said, but certainly implied often.
What happened to hard work for hard work’s sake? For a sense of accomplishment? And most importantly, for pleasing God with an honest, hard day’s work?
Colossians 3:23-24 were my homeschooling theme verses. I would quote this to my kids often when they complained of school work. I still try to keep it mind as I go about the mundane duties of being a wife and mother. I still quote it to my family now and again, as well! It says:
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
When we do the work the Lord has set before us, we are doing it for Him. Not for others. Not for ourselves. But for Him. And we are to do it heartily.
Heartily, according to Dictionary.com, means:
Personally, I find this word rather convicting. Am I doing my daily work “heartily”? I know the answer is oftentimes “NO”.
These verses also inform us that material, earthly rewards are just an extra reward. Our actual, eternal reward will be given to us by the Lord. Am I working for my eternal reward, or am I focused on the reward I receive here on earth? Perhaps we are focused on a paycheck or a raise or maybe on receiving a compliment or praise from someone we respect. It is so easy to get caught up in these things.
May we be challenged to do our best today…for the Lord…whether we be in school, at work, or at home. We all have tasks set before us each day. May we accomplish our tasks heartily, as unto the Lord, not to men!