How Our Attitude Toward Work Shows Our Character by Becky Roach

“Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don’t turn up at all.”– Sam Ewing

I don’t know who Sam Ewing is or anything about him, but I love this quote! It is so true! I have seen it lived out many times, even in my own life.

Just let a project be announced at church or a club. Some people will immediately get on the band wagon and go to work with determination and enthusiasm. They recognize the need and step up to meet it. I want to be the type of person with the character that puts others first and delights in being a helper. They desire to make a positive difference, and they do!

Then there are those who turn up their noses. For some reason, they are prideful and think work is beneath them. They act like they think they are supposed to be served, not to serve. This person discourages others and, well, makes people not want to be around them. I think of Aunt Polly in Pollyanna. She wanted anything that she was involved in to be her idea and she had to be in charge! Everyone had to cater to her! And, when anybody dared to stand up to her, they were put in their place very quickly. Pride in any person produces ugliness!

Laziness characterizes the third type of person. They don’t want to do anything for themselves or anyone else. What is the root of that? Selfishness, I think. They want everyone to serve them. They care for nothing and no one but themselves.

This type of character, or lack of character, wrecks lives, marriages, families, and whole societies. And our society is full of it. What is the cure? Well, the Bible says if someone refuses to work, he should not eat. I think that would solve that problem very quickly.

Our character certainly shows itself in our actions. May we all strive to overcome pride, selfishness and laziness which we are all prone to have, to one degree or another.