Some teens avoid anything that has to do with even the suggestion of work. Others thrive on work. Some teens go at a job with intensity, intrigue, and a “I will get it done” attitude. Well, how important is a strong work ethich. Maybe we should start by defining “work ethic”.
Work ethic has to do with the set of values and guidelines a person determines to pursue a task, activity, or project pertaining to life or career. It is the practical demonstration of hundreds of little character traits that flow from a person’s heart into the work they do, whether it be taking out the trash, cleaning the house, writing a book, completing a homework assignment, or cleaning the windows of an office building.
Work ethic, then, is very important. Why? It demonstrates who you are and what you believe. Your work ethic tells the world who you love and what you are about. If you are selfish, then your work ethic will reflect your selfishness. If you love other people and care about showing that love, then your work ethic will show it. If you care about being honest, your work ethic will demonstrate that by not cheating others.
Where do you get your work ethic? I want to challenge you, at the core of your being, to go to the Bible for this answer. Colossians 3:17 and 24 helps us greatly by telling us that we should do our work “heartily, as unto the Lord rather than men”. God tells us to do all we do with our whole heart (a growing knowledge of God’s way of living and following His guidelines). Imagine a world where everyone did their work, all they did, to and for God our Creator. Things would sure be different.
Do you have a good work ethic? Your heart drives it. You can change it if you would like. God can help you. Now is the time to start. Colossians 3 is a good place to start. God outlines, through the Apostle Paul, characteristics that need we need to get out of our lives and things we need to add, through Jesus Christ. Check it out.
