One of the three biblical purposes for work is to bless and serve others (Ephesians 4:28). The question is, do you really do this consistently?

No one is perfect, but as a Christ-follower you set the example of being as productive, cooperative, honest and hardworking as possible. You should also be an employee who doesn’t make excuses for a job not well done.

A noted business consultant surveyed 110 executives on the excuses they hear most from their workers. The top five responses:

1. “It’s not my fault.”
2. “It was someone else’s fault.”
3. “Something else came up.”
4. “I didn’t have time.”
5. “We’ve never done it that way before.”

Common to all of these responses is a tendency to shirk self-responsibility, along with a feeling of fear about the repercussions that could result from your failure. If you’ve used these or similar lines before, or do so regularly even now, ask God to show you how to look at your work responsibilities so you’ll

• Accept full accountability rather than placing blame.
• Better manage your time to be more efficient.
• Embrace new strategies or assignments instead of fearfully push them away.

Go that extra mile as an employee! Do more than you’re asked and with excellence – ahead of time. You’ll shine to your boss and for the Lord!