Two
Practices to Effectively Create Wealth
Work is a priority for God and
should be so for us as well. If we want to achieve success, we need to embrace
God’s perspective of work as our own. With this as a starting point, our goals
should be to know and function by God’s working standards while creating
wealth. Our attitude toward work and how we work are of equal importance to
God. Therefore, we should be aware of His principles and practice them if we
want to succeed in creating wealth.
Work Diligently
While growing up, my mum
encouraged me to work hard. Today we are told to work smart, not hard; however,
God’s Word encourages us to work diligently. We are expected to do the work and
stick to it until it is completed; we should not consider giving up along the
way. The book of Proverbs says much about being diligent and often draws a
comparison between the hard worker and the lazy person.
Poverty is not a gift from God
but the result of our actions. The actions of a lazy person will never lead to
wealth. Lazy people are fearful of stepping out to do something and think their
excuses are justifiable, yet they would rather relax or sleep than work. The
lazy one never completes tasks; even feeding himself or herself proves to be a
problem.
Success in creating wealth is
linked to being a diligent person. The price we gain for being diligent workers
is riches, while the price we pay for laziness is lack (Prov. 10:4).
To be diligent in our work is
not only financially rewarding but also personally satisfying (Prov. 13:4).
When we are diligent and do excellent work, our performance makes room for us
(Prov. 22:29). We are promoted, our work speaks for us, and prominent people
want us to work with them or for them.
While having a day job, my
friend started a jewelry-making business. She was very diligent at promoting
her business and creating excellent pieces. This diligent work paid off, and
some of her pieces were present in major shows across the country. This
exposure made her become well known and sought after.
Regardless of your social
status, educational level, or skill set, God wants you to work diligently. If
you desire to create wealth that provides more than enough for you and your
household, you will require diligence. No dream becomes a reality without lots
of diligent work (Eccl. 5:3). If you work diligently, you will be one who rules
and enjoys great blessings in life. The wealth of those who are lazy will be
transferred to those who are diligent (see parable of the minas, Luke 19:13–26; parable of the talents, Matt.
25:14–29). Promotion and financial increase come to those who are diligent
workers.
Go the Extra Mile
In today’s society, some find
that doing more than is required is unappealing. Many want to receive maximum
reward for minimum effort. Some want to get all they can for as little effort
as possible, but success cannot be achieved in wealth creation or in life
without putting in extra time or effort. Jesus said in Matthew
5:41, “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him
two.” Jesus calls us to walk in the extra-mile mode or to go beyond the call of
duty. As Christians, we do extra when we give up our personal rights sometimes
and give away more than someone asks for.
With work, as with giving or
lending, we should be extra generous. We should do what is expected—and then
more. We need to remember that in whatever work we do, we first and foremost do
it as unto the Lord. If our mind-sets are such that our work is for God, then
going the extra mile shouldn’t be a problem.
So what is the extra mile? It
could be working longer hours to finish a project on time. Maybe you do a task
that is not normally part of your regular duties, or maybe the extra mile is
helping a colleague with a challenging project. Whatever the extra mile may be
for you, it will require more of your time, effort, energy, or expertise than
usual.
I have gone the extra mile many
times. On occasions I worked late hours to resolve issues so staff could start
the next business day without delay. Other times I worked at home during
evening hours to complete projects within specified timelines. Sometimes going
the extra mile is necessary, and other times it is simply part of being who we
are in Christ.
But what will be your benefit if
you go the extra mile? I think the main benefit is that it glorifies your
heavenly Father. Sure, you may receive a promotion, get a raise, or be
acknowledged or appreciated for work well done, but no reward speaks louder
than glorifying God. In the midst of giving glory to God because you do great
work, going the extra mile opens the door for you as a witness of Christ.
