God is interested in what you do for work; He is also interested in how you do it. The truth is that your prospects for the future are determined by your work ethic. As Christian counselors, we see many individuals who are struggling in their personal lives and vocations because they are lacking in some basic traits necessary for success. Let us consider some habits from the book of Proverbs to acquire if you want God's blessing.
1. Diligence
If you want to succeed on the job here's a character quality you need to develop: diligence. When asked, "What's your biggest challenge?" employers usually say, "Finding and keeping good people." It makes or breaks any business. "A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich." Diligence calls for being self-disciplined, motivated, alert, dependable, and entails following through. The Bible says, "Diligence is...precious" (Pr 12:27 NKJV) because it's so hard to find.
Diligent workers are worth their wages: "The plans of the diligent lead to profit" (Pr 21:5 NIV). In God's system the boss should profit by you and you should profit by him. Indeed, diligent people plan to be profitable employees. Do you want to prosper? See that your employer prospers! Diligent workers rejoice in this, lazy workers resent it. Diligence, not politics and manipulation, will get you promoted. "Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labor" (Pr 12:24 NIV). In God's economy you determine whether you become "ruler" or "slave" by how hard you're willing to work. Lazy employees complain about the unfair boss, the stacked system, the "company men" who look out for the boss and the boss who looks out for them. They want the privileges others get but they're not willing to work for them. "The sluggard craves and gets nothing" (Pr 13:4 NIV) because "his hands refuse to work" (Pr 21:25 NIV). "But the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied" (Pr 13:4 NIV). They get it all: the satisfaction of a job well done, a reputation for integrity, the trust of others, job security, profit, promotion, and most importantly, the Master's "Well done."
2. Thoughtfulness
Another Bible characteristic to acquire for job success is thoughtfulness. That's so, whether you're a general in the army or a "GI Joe," the company president or the nightshift janitor. Character is not class-conscious. You don't demand respect, you earn it every day. If you're in a leadership role, the Bible says: "Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds" (Pr 27:23 NAS). Good employers and supervisors make it their business to know the needs, strengths, weaknesses, potential and motivational levels of their workers. As a result employee sick time is reduced, morale improved and quality and production soars. A pay increase isn't always the best motivator. Sometimes your thoughtfulness, understanding and interest in your employees are a more powerful motivator. The old "kick them in the pants" philosophy is a sure-fire way to generate resentment and undermining. Respect and caring invites cooperation, makes allies, not adversaries of employees and employers, and brings out the best in everybody.
If you're an employee God promises, "He who looks after his master will be honored." It's not cool to bad-mouth the boss, even if your peers egg you on. Ultimately those around you will distrust you because they know that at some point you'll do the same to them. Speak well of your boss, honor him or her and submit to their authority (See Ro 13:1-7). If you can't, say nothing and look for another job; otherwise you'll be judged for undermining them. In the parable of the talents Jesus said that the workers who took care of their boss's interests were rewarded richly. Yes, God will honor you for respecting even a difficult boss!
3. Skillfulness
Nothing contributes more to job success than skillfulness. Skilled workers excel by study, practice and hard work. Second best is unacceptable. Such people are "always in demand... they don't take a back seat to anyone" (Pr 22:29 TM). Skillfulness isn't genetic; you don't inherit it, you work for it. You burn the midnight oil, stretch to your limits and refuse to "settle." Watch a skilled craftsman; your esteem rises at their attention to detail, refusal to cut corners, patience, dedication and pride of product. They inspire confidence, respect and trust. There's no more practical demonstration of genuine Christianity than being a skilled worker. When they speak people listen. If you doubt that try sharing your faith with those who see you being dishonest, shoddy and careless. Better to be silent till you earn the right to be heard!
Whatever your work, "Do it...in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col 3:17 NIV). We should be "raising the bar" because we're Christ's representatives. We should set the industry standard for excellence. Knowing we follow Christ should give employers and customer’s confidence they will get nothing but the best.
The skillful worker can't lose, because God promises that their work will inevitably attract the attention of people who'll promote them and reward them. "Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings" (Pr 22:29 NIV). They may start at the bottom of the ladder, but their destination is a rung higher up.
If there are barriers or hindrances that are keeping you from growing in these traits, you may need counseling or deliverance ministry to help get you in position to succeed.