Being a Self-Motivated Worker

“Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” Proverbs 6:6-8

A common theme in the Bible is the importance of being a self-motivated worker. You will be more successful at your job if you do not require constant supervision. Not only does the ant work hard, but it gets things done on time instead of procrastinating or making excuses. A lot of people today, especially millennials, need to learn to be better workers.

“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;” Romans 12:11

Don’t tell me how spiritual you are if you are slothful in business because working hard is part of serving the Lord. The word slothful comes from a slow, sedentary animal called a sloth. If you are lazy at your job, then you’re unspiritual. Being a hard worker is part of your Christian testimony, and a good employee stays busy even when the boss isn’t watching. Being someone your boss can rely on will not only help you succeed in your career, but it will also please the Lord.

“Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:” Ephesians 6:5-7

Being in business for yourself takes even more self-discipline, but the profits are greater since someone isn’t being paid to supervise you. People who are successful at running their own businesses get up early and do what needs to be done even though they don’t have to report to a boss.

“Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” Proverbs 27:23

Working hard is as important for women as it is for men. Ladies, your husband ought to be able to trust you to manage your time wisely when he’s not there. Just as an employer expects his employee to find things to do, your husband shouldn’t have to constantly give you to-do lists to keep your household running smoothly. Proverbs chapter 31 is all about being productive as a homemaker.

“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27

When I talk about working hard, I’m not talking about becoming rich. I’m talking about doing what it takes to effectively raise a family and serve the Lord. We need to be able to pay our bills, support our families, and make a few extra bucks to give to those in need. Don’t think of your daily work as just passing time, so that you can do something more spiritual afterward. Being a hard worker IS spiritual.

Here is the sermon on Animals in the Bible: Workers