The Discipline of Hard Work

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” - Colossians 3:23

Hard work is a principle that’s woven throughout Scripture. God calls us to work diligently, not just for the approval of others, but as an act of worship to Him. Colossians 3:23 reminds us to do our work heartily, as if we’re serving Christ Himself.

I was raised in a home where hard work was expected. My dad didn’t quote Lamentations 3:27 to me, but he lived it: “It is good for a man to bear the yoke in his youth.” He taught me to finish what I started and to give my best effort in everything I did. That kind of discipline shaped me for life. When we learn to work hard as children, it sets us on a path for success and integrity as adults.

The Bible is full of wisdom about hard work. Proverbs 6 tells us to look at the ant. No one has to tell it to gather food - it just does it. If the ant can work hard without being told, how much more should we? And yet, we live in a world where laziness can creep in. Proverbs 21:25 warns us that the desires of the lazy will lead to their downfall because they refuse to work.

Maybe you’re in a season of preparation right now. You don’t have the opportunity you’re hoping for yet, but you’re working hard to get ready for it. Abraham Lincoln once said, “If I had ten minutes to chop down a tree, I’d spend the first eight minutes sharpening my axe.”

That means preparing, training, and developing yourself so that when the time comes, you’re ready. You’re sharpening your axe through education, training, or skill-building.

Some people say, “If you don’t have a job, then your job is to find a job.” That’s part of preparation too. Never despise the days of preparation because they are sharpening you for what’s next.

Hard work isn’t just about making a living; it’s about honoring God. Imagine if Jesus were your boss. How would you approach your work? Would you cut corners, or would you give it your all? When we work as unto the Lord, it changes everything. Even the most difficult tasks can become opportunities to worship.
Reflective Question: Are you putting your whole heart into your work, knowing that you’re ultimately serving the Lord?

“Lord, thank You for teaching me the value of hard work. Help me to approach every task with diligence and enthusiasm, knowing that I’m serving You through my efforts. Give me the strength to honor You in all that I do. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”