If you want to get ahead in work, ministry or relationships, the best way to start is to realize that ultimately, you are not working for others, but working for God! Colossians 3:23 says this: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Having a good work ethic is one of the ways in which we demonstrate our identity as sons and daughters of God. If we are imitating God, then the highest form of that is to be working with honor, contributing our best and proactively using the time, energy, mind and skills that He has given us.
We see a strong work ethic at the forefront of the Bible, for example, in the stories of Noah, Paul, and David. We see it most of all in Jesus. Jesus was always working on the Father’s business. With Christ in us, we too have an invitation to bring about the Father’s business in our workplace so that we can live in the fullness of what’s possible. What we contribute can bring us to be our best selves and provide a sense of purpose in a way that nothing else can. Not only that, but your work ethic will help you to move into places in your career that you never thought you could get to. I invite you to partner with God and consider how you can grow in these six traits of a strong work ethic to increase the prosperity in your workplace and in your life!
1. Integrity
A person with a strong work ethic displays integrity. They are trustworthy and tell the truth. They are authentic and truthful to who they are, in all that they do. They let their yes be yes and their no be no. They are willing to ask good questions when they are unsure. They show respect for themselves and for others.
2. High productivity
A person with a strong work ethic has a high productivity. They know that organization is key, to ensure that they follow through on their tasks and make the most of their time. They exercise a strong sense of discipline and self-control and they get stuff done!
3. Teamwork
A person with a strong work ethic knows the importance of teamwork and cooperation. They realize that they are part of a team-culture and that what “I” do affects “us”. They understand their part in the team’s goal of achieving their purpose and how critical their own work ethic is to the success of the team. They ask, “What can I do to help?” and know that their work ethic greatly impacts not just the business, but the relationships!
4. Determination
A person with a strong work ethic has a powerful internal motivation. They won’t wait for others to solve a problem and will take the initiative to stand up and do the right thing. They won’t give up and will persevere to bring tasks through to completion. They manage their emotional response to frustrating or boring tasks (of which there will always be moments like this in any job!) and they keep in mind that they are working for something greater than themselves!
5. Excellence
A person with a strong work ethic demonstrates a high quality consistently in everything they do. They bring their best. One way in the workforce that someone shows character is by being the person who is willing to show up early; who is willing to take on extra assignments; who is willing to stay late to help others; who is willing to look out to the interests of the company; and ultimately look out to the interests of others before their own. They see beyond their current context and see that it is all unto God – that’s how they can show up and give everything they have!
6. Professionalism
A person with a strong work ethic displays a high level of self awareness. They cultivate a culture of respect and treat others with honor. They are diplomatic and good listeners. They are not only open to, but actively encourage feedback. They treat people fairly, they follow the rules and they work well with others.
Take a moment to reflect, where are you in these six traits of a strong work ethic? How about the work ethic of your team? If you have people with poor work ethic working for or with you, then it’s your job to call the gold out in them. But you can only take responsibility for yourself. Developing a strong work ethic is not only Godly and Biblical, but will ultimately get you ahead in the workplace. Today, choose to be intentional to grow a strong work ethic and bring greater levels of honor to your workplace!