Characteristics Of A Godly Worker
In today’s fast-paced world, work can often feel like just another obligation—something we do to pay the bills or climb the corporate ladder. However, work is more than that. It is a calling, an opportunity to serve God and others with excellence, integrity, and dedication. Whether in a corporate office, a classroom, a construction site, or at home, being a godly worker means reflecting Christ in everything we do. Here are some key characteristics that define a godly worker.
WORK HARD
We are made to work. God calls upon us to work, and show His characteristics in everything we do. Although work can be challenging, hard, and can often seem like it is not sent from God, He challenges us to overcome these, and fully trust Him in the process.
SOME VERSES TO KEEP IN MIND
“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” (Proverbs 10:4)
“Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense.” (Proverbs 12:11)
“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” (Proverbs 13:4)
“Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.” (Proverbs 13:11)
“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” (Proverbs 14:23)
“Whoever is slack in his work is a brother to him who destroys.” (Proverbs 18:9)
2. WORK WELL
We are not only called to work, but to work well, as if we are working for God Himself. Every opportunity in our work is an opportunity to outwardly pour into those around us, or simply in the work we complete.
SOME VERSES TO KEEP IN MIND
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3)
“Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.” (Proverbs 22:29)
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.” (Luke 16:10)
“Rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free.” (Ephesians 6:7-8)
3. SERVE YOUR EMPLOYER
Although you can choose to be a godly employee, you are not guaranteed to have a godly employer. You are still called to obey those who are in authority over you—not because they are good or righteous, but because you serve a good and righteous God. Serve with integrity and positivity.
SOME VERSES TO KEEP IN MIND
“Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” (Ephesians 6:5-6)
“Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things.” (1 Timothy 6:1-2)
“Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the god and gentle but also to the unjust.” (1 Peter 2:18)
4. DON’T SIN IN YOUR WORK
There is an exception to the above rule: you shouldn’t obey your superiors if they ask you to do something wrong. Your chief authority is God, not men. Disobeying an order might have consequences, but it is better to be punished for doing good than rewarded for doing evil.
SOME VERSES TO KEEP IN MIND
“And if you make a sale to your neighbor or buy from your neighbor, you shall not wrong one another.” (Leviticus 25:14)
“A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight.” (Proverbs 11:1)
“Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” (Ephesians 4:28)
5. REST FROM YOUR WORK
We are created to work, but we are also designed for rest. God gave us bodies that require rest, and He commanded His people to take a day off each week. Resting well shows that we trust God to provide; we don’t have to constantly be working and striving to acquire more material goods
SOME VERSES TO KEEP IN MIND
“Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest. In plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.” (Exodus 34:21)
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep." (Psalm 127:1-2)
“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5)
