A Good Work Ethic

By Will Griffin

What makes America great? Ask any citizen, and the resounding answer will undoubtedly be freedom. However, the essence of American greatness extends far beyond just freedom. It lies in the unwavering belief that with freedom comes great responsibility – the responsibility to use our liberties for the betterment of ourselves and our communities. While you might be reminiscing about the past, the beauty of America lies in its ability to evolve and adapt. And at the core of this evolution is the freedom to work.

The privilege to choose any profession and support oneself, family, and community is fundamental to American culture. Every job holds significance, but perhaps the entrepreneur is the most authentic embodiment of this facet. Entrepreneurs start with a passionate vision to serve and create. They willingly embrace the risks, staking their work, reputation, and livelihoods. Some have reaped incredible rewards, while others have witnessed the profound impact their businesses can have on their communities. In many ways, entrepreneurs are the unsung heroes of America, and that’s not an exaggeration, coming from someone who was a former firefighter.

We are fortunate to have a wealth of remarkable entrepreneurs within our community. Just look around this magazine, and you’ll see the blessings they have bestowed upon us. If you are one of those entrepreneurs, I express my heartfelt gratitude.

Now, for those of you who are followers of Christ, have you considered that even in your normal course of business, you are in ministry? Your work has the potential to contribute to the Kingdom of God. Have you contemplated the profound influence you can have on your employees and customers? Smart business owners recognize the value of their work, their employees, and their customers. If you are not an entrepreneur, don’t tune out here, these are good principles for everyone in the workplace.

When we create something new—a product, a service, or an experience—we are collaborating with God in the creative process. After all, He is the original Creator. Work existed before the fall; God entrusted Adam to participate in the work of Creation (Gen. 2:15). This truth remains unchanged. As we engage in our work, we are partnering with God Himself. The Lord uses us as His earthly agents to fulfill His will on earth as it is in Heaven. Whether you are building a house, selling goods, teaching kids, or creating a memorable experience, The Lord has you there for His purposes. So, how does your earthly work align with heavenly standards? Creating something that aligns with heavenly standards sounds like the epitome of business success. However, we must maintain sight of people as the most crucial aspect. It’s easy to become fixated on the final creation. Still, while that is significant, it doesn’t represent the culmination of business. Without people, event planners would have no reason to plan, teachers would have no one to teach, and homebuilders would have no homes to build Therefore, people and relationships are everything. As a follower of Christ who happens to be in the workplace, how are you seeking to impact the relationships you have been given for the Glory of God?

Jesus exemplified the truth that no work is more important than glorifying God through people. Out of countless ways to glorify Himself, the Lord chose the redemption of people and the restoration of our broken relationship with Him. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus accomplished this redemption which brought about the Greatest Glory of God. This is the greatest Gift given freely to all who would accept in faith the work of Christ. What if we saw it as our greatest work to see many come to place their faith in Christ, through whatever avenues the Lord has graciously given? What if we conducted ourselves in the workplace in deed and in word that the Lord was glorified and not us?

In Christ, we have been granted the freedom to work for the glory of God. Moreover, we have been equipped with the necessary gifts to carry out our work. The Holy Spirit empowers us to utilize these gifts in a manner that exalts Christ. While these truths have often been limited to the context of the Church, the reality is that they apply to every aspect of a believer’s life. If you are in Christ, regardless of your occupation, these truths hold true for you. So, how has the Lord equipped you to have a good work ethic?

Will Griffin is Director of Discipleship & Digital Ministries at Clayton Baptist Church - to learn more about being a Follower of Jesus contact Will at: will@claytonbaptistchurch.com