The Forgotten Work Ethic

Any in today’s society no longer know the meaning of hard work. Few focus on the benefit of their work to their employer. Rather, most are totally focused on what their job will do for them. It is not about “what I can give to the company” but rather, “what’s in it for me.”

Rarely does anyone ask, “Am I getting paid too much for this job?” Yet, people frequently ask, “Am I getting paid enough for the job I am doing?”

Driven by the natural tendencies of greed and laziness, the only reason many work is for what they will get from their job—with the least amount of effort!

It has been said, “Nothing is really work unless you would rather be doing something else.” Many have forgotten—or have never been taught—the enormous benefits of working hard. People no longer receive the same enjoyment from work, and usually wish they were somewhere else doing something else.

Working hard is not something that comes naturally. Today’s parenting has led to a generation of children that were never taught to work hard.

The problem is two-fold. Parents have neglected their responsibility to teach their children to work hard and the benefits of doing so. The second part of the problem is that teen entertainment almost always includes an unhealthy dose of movies, television, videogames, etc. The extent of this form of entertainment could be described as nothing short of pure laziness! Rather than get a job, play sports or get involved in other productive activities, many spend ridiculous amounts of time sitting in front of some sort of screen.

Laziness truly abounds!

The Work Ethic Defined

Working hard is a learned habit—something that is instilled within a person from a young age. It develops over time, like becoming a good pianist, for example.

The term “work ethic” is defined as, “A set of values based on the moral virtues of hard work and diligence” (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition).

Values are something that you firmly believe in—hold in high regard. Sadly, most people value money, yet do not esteem the “moral virtues of hard work and diligence.”

A Look at History

United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower described a time that has long passed: “America did not become great through softness and self-indulgence. Her miraculous progress and achievements flow from other qualities far more worthy and substantial…a satisfaction in hard work…” (State of the Union Address, Jan. 7, 1960).

Most no longer experience this “satisfaction in hard work”—why?

Times have changed. It was our grandparents who went through two world wars. They understood the necessity of working hard. They recognized that if they did not, they would not survive! After World War II, nearly every western country experienced great prosperity. Our grandparents, in general, slowly began to ease up on their children and gave them more, while requiring less, unintentionally instilling in them a lack of appreciation for hard work.

This trend grew worse with the next generation—the “baby boomers.” They never knew war and never saw the necessity to work hard. Because they had been given much, they in turn wanted their children to “have it all.” The mindset developed, “I don’t want my kids to suffer.”

Do not misunderstand. While it is good and right to want the best for children, most parents, perhaps unwittingly, rear their children from the perspective that they should be given everything for nothing. This has created a generation of youth that has largely not been taught the wonderful benefits of working hard.

The Benefits

God—your Creator—wants you to have a happy and abundant life (III John 2). Parents share this same wish for their children.

Adam and Eve were instructed to work in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:15). God—as their loving parent—did not just give them everything for nothing. He knew the benefits of hard work.

The Fourth Commandment states, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Ex. 20:8). Yet there is another side to this commandment: “Six days shall you labor, and do all your work” (vs. 9). Most do not realize that God expects us to work six days a week!

King Solomon understood the principle of working hard: “Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your might” (Ecc. 9:10). Everything that you do should be done with 100 percent effort—give it your all!

The book of Proverbs explains the benefits of hard work and the implications of laziness. To achieve prosperity and happiness, you must be diligent—you must work hard! Notice: “He becomes poor that deals with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent makes rich” (Prov. 10:4). Also, “He that tills his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that follows after vain persons shall have poverty enough” (Prov. 28:19; also Prov. 12:24; 13:4; 22:29).

As a youth, your whole life is still ahead of you. The decisions you make now will have an enormous impact on the rest of your life!

Most of your friends have no comprehension of hard work, having become lazy and slothful, products of their time. If you also struggle with this, realize that laziness produces poverty (Prov. 24:30-34). Laziness will also bring unhappiness! This is simple cause and effect. Therefore, strive to work hard!

While many just work so they can get for themselves, you must do the opposite. “Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needs” (Eph. 4:28). When you are paid to do a job, you must reach a certain performance standard. Failure to reach that standard, by not working hard, is a form of theft.

Work at Working Hard!

You might not yet know what you want to do with your life or have not chosen a specific career. Yet, becoming a hard worker will benefit you in any profession you might choose.

Start now! Determine to do everything “with all your might.” You can become a hard worker. Though it is not something that will be achieved overnight, you can do it if you set your mind to it.

Change your perspective. Be diligent at your job. Be an example for those around you. Work hard at school, at home, and in every aspect of your life.

If you have not been one to work hard, or if you were not taught its benefits, do not see it as a daunting task. It will take time. Be patient and do not give up!

Get up every morning with the attitude that you must strive to work hard—push yourself! At times, you will feel physical or mental strain, but do not give up. As working hard becomes habitual in your life, you will do it without conscious effort—it will become a vital part of your character.

And you will reap many benefits for the rest of your life!