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Key Bible Verse: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men (Colossians 3:23). Bonus Reading: 3:22-4:1

Son Benjamin, a recent college graduate, and I were rolling down the highway, discussing his upcoming first "real job."

Over the years, my wife, Barbara, and I have worked to instill a quality work ethic in our children because we believe God has Kingdom jobs for each of us. An entry position at Rainey, Inc. is a chore like wiping dishes. Next comes the increased responsibility of yard work or laundry. Then, at 14, each child—after an orientation on honesty, diligence and excellence—is promoted to an "outside job." Five of our six have gone to work for Chick-fil-A, a firm that values employees and closes on Sundays.

Here's what I told Benjamin in his recent "exit interview":

"Arrive at work early. Not just on your first day, but every day. When you take lunch breaks, make sure your boss knows where you are and when you'll return. A commitment to accountability is what sets true leaders apart.

"Find out what's expected of you, then exceed expectations. Work hard—but don't be controlled by work. To balance life's priorities, you must be guided by the Holy Spirit. He will remind you that your source for everything is Jesus Christ, not your work."

—Dennis Rainey in Life@Work

• How does your daily work ethic compare with this one? What are you doing well?

Thought to Apply: If a man does only what is required of him, he is a slave. If a man does more than is required of him, he is a free man.

— CHINESE PROVERB

Credits: Adapted from— Monday: Life@Work (11-12/99)

Copyright © 2000 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity. For reprint information click here.

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