Pillars of a Productive Work Ethic
Author: David Markopoulos | Living Education
Mr. Adam West, a pastor in the Work of God, currently serves as Office Manager for the Living Church of God headquarters facilities. With many years of professional experience behind him, Mr. West recently addressed this year’s Living Education students on principles of building a productive work ethic.
Engagement Drives Performance
Mr. West referenced a Gallup poll on disengagement in the workplace, revealing a startling 85% of employees are not engaged in their work. Being actively engaged is a critical element of a strong work ethic and success in the workplace—and disengagement from one’s work is a dangerous threat to productivity.
“What about us?” Mr. West inquired. For those of us seeking to follow God’s way, we should strive to make sure we are engaged not only in our work, but in our calling. Mr. West reminded the students that engagement drives performance—and in order for it to drive us, it must be coupled with a strong work ethic.
Five Pillars
“Have you ever had a job you didn’t want to do?” Mr. West asked. While we could give any number of answers based on personal experience, it is important to remember that our attitude while doing a job is deeply important. We should strive not only to do the things that need to be done, but to find something to enjoy about it. Mr. West also reminded the students that we are all answerable to someone—and we are all ultimately answerable to Christ for our work ethic. Continuing, Mr. West shared five pillars of building a productive work ethic.
Pillar 1: Purpose
Finding a purpose for your work—a “why”—is critical. Having the proper motivation means we will be driven to achieve greater results, and will allow us to be more effectively engaged in what we do. This also applies to more than just our professional lives—it applies to our spiritual lives as well. We need to align our personal goals with our spiritual ones, and to have a proper perspective on why we do what we do in life.
Pillar 2: Diligence
Mr. West encouraged the students to take initiative and exemplify diligence. Reading from Proverbs 6:6-8, he stated: “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.” Our initiative and willingness to go the extra mile elevates the quality of our work, and helps us achieve greater results.
Pillar 3: Responsibility
As both workers and as Christians, we are always accountable to someone—and we are ultimately accountable before God. Keeping this in mind is important, and we should bear in mind the principle found in Luke 16:10: “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.” When we are receptive to correction and bear responsibility well, we shine before those whom we serve.
Pillar 4: Excellence
Applying excellence is another deeply important component of being a good worker and a good Christian. We should strive to apply excellence and quality to everything we are given to do. Being good stewards of what we’ve been given shows character, integrity, and honor.
Pillar 5: Endurance
Mr. West emphasized the importance of endurance and growth. We should constantly be maintaining our energy and effort, and looking for ways to grow. We should also expand this mindset into seeking to help others grow—this, Mr. West reminded the students, is the definition of altruism. The process by which we achieve our results does matter, and we should make sure we maintain our level of endurance.
Take a Craftsman’s Approach
Mr. West offered principles that not only foster engagement and help develop a stronger work ethic, but also have a dual application to our spiritual life. Our Christian walk requires both our engagement and our constant effort. Mr. West encouraged the students to take a “craftsman’s approach” to our work—applying care, effort, and love to the work we’ve been given to do.
David Markopoulos is a Living Education alumnus from the 2023-2025 school years. Originally hailing from Chicago, he currently works for the Living Education program.
