Weekly Thought – June 10, 2025
Fred joined a team of Baptist businessmen which formed the “Focus Week” movement in the 1950s and 1960s. He and an outstanding gathering of other dynamic professionals, scientists, physicians, academicians, entrepreneurs, and executives spent time with students on various Baptist university campuses all through the year. Fred thoroughly enjoyed these five day marathons with nonstop classroom assignments, meal times, night sessions, and chapels. In 2007 the Breakfast with Fred Leadership Institute began, built on the structure and spirit of Focus Week.
Doing My Best
As Christians we need to remember God is interested in our work. He commands us to pursue excellence, avoiding “being slothful.” In our chosen business. I am sure He is hurt when we slip into mediocrity, standing around the water cooler complaining, or wasting time on personal cell phone calls. When we use company computers on company time against policy, we dishonor Him. Scripture tells us “whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all of your might, as unto the Lord.” Notice it doesn’t say, “If you enjoy your work, like the boss, enjoy your associates” then it is a good thing. That is not what scripture says. If we are going to put our life into it, then we should do it to the very best of our ability. The attitude of “unto the Lord” gives work a divine significance.
Christian executive, Mason Roberts, former President of Frigidaire, shared with me his daily closing ritual. He had a calendar on his desk with these words inscribed: “Having done my best today, it will be easier to do better tomorrow.” At the end of the day he would put his hand on the calendar, say a short prayer of thanksgiving for the day, tear the sheet off and throw it in the wastebasket, and go home. On those rare days when he could not honestly give thanks for doing his best, he would call his wife, ask her to delay dinner, and work until he found satisfaction.
It is our responsibility to bring meaning to our work. We can do it in three ways: 1)in being excellent in what we do which gives us self-respect and security; 2) in the attitude we bring to the job which helps to create a positive environment; 3)in seeing our associates as those we can encourage and perhaps even bring to the Lord.
This week carefully consider: 1) How do I measure “doing my best”? 2) What is my motivation in my work? 3) When do I feel “God’s pleasure” in my work?
Words of Wisdom: “The attitude of “unto the Lord” gives work a divine significance.”
Wisdom from the Word: “Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people,” (Colossians 3:23 NET Bible)