Does the quality of work you produce depend on the amount of money you earn? Or does the quality of work you produce reveal the level of integrity you have?
I remember my first job; I was only fourteen years old when I was offered a position as dishwasher at a local hometown pizza parlor called Smak-itz Pizza in Villa Rica Georgia. I was determined to be the best dishwasher my boss had ever seen, and I was successful too. Little did I know how that determination and commitment would begin developing my character at such a young age. I was quickly promoted to “pizza chef” within three or four weeks. I worked hard; I twirled pizza dough in the air like nobody’s business. I operated a broom, a mop, and a 500 degree oven all at the same time! Looking back I worked with all my might as if I was working for the approval of a much higher power.
But did the quality of the work I produced come out of an obligation for what I was being paid, or did it come from a much deeper source within me? Truthfully, if my job performance had been reflective of the salary I was receiving I would have never been promoted. After working two weeks I finally received my first pay check, after Uncle Sam stole his portion, I ended up with somewhere around $60. But I was not discouraged, in fact I was thrilled! I remember spending almost all of my first paycheck on a single clothing purchase from a store named Belk. I know, I know, not exactly exciting, but it felt good none the less. It felt good to earn for myself money to buy the things I wanted.
Much has changed since those early days of employment, but one thing has always remained, and I pray it always does. I have never worked, or produced, according to what I was being paid. I’ve always strived to do my very best, and work my hardest no matter how much money I was earning. To me the work I perform is more important than the money I earn. Not only is my blood, sweat, and tears in the labor I produce, but my name is on all that I do. I know I’m not perfect, but I do strive to work diligently to win the approval of that much higher power I have now come to know personally. I thank Him for instilling in me the desire to work, and the integrity to do it with all my might.
Larger salaries seldom produce a better workforce, and more money doesn’t necessarily mean better results. If you have not been working with all your might give yourself a raise in integrity and begin working as if you are doing what you do for the Lord. Not only will you notice the difference, but so will those around you!