Photo credit: Pinterest.com

“Seest thou a man diligent in his business, he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.” – Proverbs 22:29

In the first part of this article, the need to work was emphasized from a biblical standpoint. In this second part, emphasis will be laid on the labour of the righteous. What is required of us as God’s children as we labour? Are we to do our work as the Lord requires or as the world requires of us to do it? What are the Kingdom ethics of work?

Labour with Diligence: The opening Scripture to this article draws our attention to the reward of diligence. The wisest king of Israel makes it clear that a diligent man will enjoy the privilege of working with kings, and not with ordinary men. The stories of Joseph and David are clear examples of how diligence rewards. Known for his diligence, Joseph was quickly elevated to head his fellow servants, from Potiphar’s house to the prison and this brought him before the great King of Egypt, Pharaoh. His diligence made room for him in the government of Pharaoh as the second man in command. Similarly, when King Saul needed a skillful player of the harp to help ease his ailing spirit from the activities of evil spirits, the young David was recommended for the job. Known for his diligence in keeping and securing his father’s flock in the wilderness amidst dangers, David was quickly brought to King Saul to work with him. David also ended on the throne as the King of Israel because of a diligent spirit. Little wonder, the Bible says a diligent hand will bear rule (Proverbs 12:24). 

Several other characters in the Bible stand out as a result of diligence, but for want of space the list is limited to Joseph and David in this article. A common thread among these men is their cordial walk with God. They didn’t abuse their relationship with God by a life of indolence. They were firmly committed to their vocations. Laziness has robbed many a believer of untold opportunities. The Proverbs of Solomon counsel the sluggard to go to the ant for a tutorial on diligence (Proverbs 6:6). 

Dear reader, have you wasted many career or ministry opportunities due to indolence? Righteousness does not in any way condone laziness. As the Holy Scriptures say, indolence is the highway to poverty (Proverbs 6:6-11), therefore, awake, and put to work that strength, wisdom and knowledge that you’ve been endowed with. Diligence makes you a leader in your sphere because the hand of the diligent will always rule the sluggard (Proverbs 12:24). Learn new skills. Cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset. By all means, do something reasonable and profitable with your life because as it is said, ‘the idle mind is Satan’s workshop’. Idleness breeds temptation.

Labour with Excellence: A part of our Kingdom work ethics is excellence. God requires nothing less. In His nature, God is an excellent God. We see this through creation as the heavens declare His glory and the firmament reveals His handwork. We also see God’s excellent nature at work in the building of Noah’s ark, the tabernacle, and Solomon’s temple. The specifications for every part of the work were directly given by God which He expected the builders to strictly adhere to. In building the tabernacle, Moses was warned of God to ensure that he builds everything according to the pattern he had received from the mountain (Exodus 25:40). The interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream and the recommendations were done by excellence therefore, he had no choice than to give the responsibility of executing the recommendations to Joseph (Genesis 41:14-44). And he did excellently well. As believers, our lives and work of excellence glorify God in no small way. It is to this that Jesus declares: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). 

A part of our Kingdom work ethics is excellence. God requires nothing less. In His nature, God is an excellent God. We see this through creation as the heavens declare His glory and the firmament reveals His handwork.

Daniel rose through the ranks in the foreign land of Babylon by a life of excellence. King Darius positioned him strategically due to his diligence and excellence in service so that he could properly manage the King’s estate. So, Daniel minimized or eradicated damage for the King due to his excellent nature (Daniel 6:1-2). The writer of Ecclesiastes counsels the believer to do with all his might whatever opportunity presents (Ecclesiastes 9:10). 

Like Daniel, excellence can set a man far above his contemporaries. Dear Christian Brother and Sister, how do you handle your studies? What is your attitude towards that work that God has given to you? How do you do your business? Does it stand out among that of your colleagues or you’re lagging far behind? Let your excellent labour bring glory and honour to your Father, the King of kings. Excellence pays. With excellence, when your employers are looking for staff to retrench, your work will bail you out. Pursue excellence in all you do as a child of God. 

Labour with Integrity: Integrity is a rare virtue in today’s world. Men and women of integrity are scarce. People of integrity are people who stand by their word and that is what we should be known for as Christians. Job said, “God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me” (Job 27:5). Little wonder, he was the wealthiest man in the east in his days (Job 1:3). God expects nothing less than integrity in our vocation and the work of our hands. Beyond being Christians in Church, we must be true Christians reflecting the life of Christ that we may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom we shine as light (Philippians 2:15). The Bible clearly states that integrity preserves the righteous (Proverbs 11:3). This also applies to your vocation as integrity is also a preserver of the works of your hand. It is only truth that stands the test of time, lies only survive a moment (Proverbs 12:19). 

In dealing with men in our business or career, let’s always have the future in mind. Such relationships may not end at the business or career level, but beyond.

When we deal with integrity, we leave a blessing for our children (Proverbs 20:7).  In dealing with men in our business or career, let’s always have the future in mind. Such relationships may not end at the business or career level, but beyond. Even the Holy Bible acknowledges that a good name is better than great riches (Proverbs 22:1). So, let’s work at leaving a good name wherever God positions us per time; our descendants might be the next beneficiaries. Furthermore, only wealth obtained by sincere labour will increase, because wealth gotten by vanity will unfailingly diminish (Proverbs 13:11). Dear Friend, do you cut corners or do sharp practices to make unholy gains? Is your business or job shrouded in lies? How did you gain that promotion? Was it through righteous labour or through corrupt practices? Can you sincerely justify your present position? Remember that your vocation is your ministry. You’re there in a representative capacity. Represent God. You represent a superior culture; you represent the Church. So let your light so shine that men may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16).