Faith | God opens doors and grants favor if we have a good work ethic

Proverbs 22:29 in the New King James Version says, “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men.”

This scripture reveals the benefits of being productive in the workplace.

Those who are prompt in their business and bring forth goods will experience promotion. Dictionary.com defines productivity as, “the quality, state, or fact of generating, creating, enhancing, or bringing forth goods and services.”

Someone diligent in business shall be honored by kings and respected by their subjects. Speedy execution of a king’s command is a virtue that he appreciates. Kings search for the most diligent and capable business people of their realm to place over certain kingdom affairs.

The same is true in the workplace. Diligence will open doors for you. Excellence in business pays off. God opens doors and grants favor to men and women with this type of work ethic.

Here are three key practices for developing one’s productivity in the workplace.

First, don’t settle for mediocrity. Strive for excellence.

Excellence is a spirit that touches every area of your life. Excellence is giving God your very best. Excellence goes beyond our job performance, marriage, and ministry. It is also seen in our appearance and housekeeping skills. When a person allows disorder to be part of their life, it will not bring promotion.

Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, skillful execution, and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.

Vince Lombardi, a great leader and one of the best ever to coach professional football, once said, “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.”

The second key practice for improving workplace productivity is to be a problem solver.

You were hired to solve problems in your employment area, not create them. Doctors solve problems for sick people. Lawyers solve problems for people with legal problems. Pastors solve spiritual problems. Information Technology workers solve computer and internet problems.

It is your responsibility to devise a solution for problems you may encounter. This doesn’t mean you can’t ask your supervisor for assistance — however, you should only do that if you have exhausted your resources.

Why? Because you’re paid to think.

The third and final practice for developing productivity is to get organized. Productivity requires us to take control of our life by using resources that increase productivity.

Calendars, reminders, to-do lists, “don’t” lists, etc. I am amazed at how unorganized people can be when we have more resources, tools, and technology available to us than ever before.

Another aspect of getting organized is planning. When you take the time to map out your projects in advance, you’ll find life to be less stressful than if you decide to wait until the last minute to plan.

Personally, I live out all three of these practices in my daily life. I can tell you from experience that if you begin to develop these habits, your productivity in the workplace will go to another level.