(Perhaps I should entitle this post–a Post to self)

Some people do the minimum they can do at work to get by and other seem to be the first in and last out.

There is an old apherism that says, "If you want something done find a busy person."

When hiring we tend to look for high capacity people–those that will get things done and find additional things to work on.

So how do we find the right balance?

When it comes to work ethic what some call doing their job would be work idolatry. Yet there is a great tension that we might feel in an economic climat where jobs are not easy to come by.  So how do we find the balance?

Taking pride in a job well done.
Doing what you are paid for and a little more.
Being responsible.
Being willing to do what is needed.

I was raised in a home where hardwork was the normal things.  Serving was assumed.  But beyond that, I enjoy what I do–but doing too much of it isn't appropriate.

David Murray recently wrote two blog post that were good in causing me to "stop and evaluate"–to insure that I have an appropriate balance.  You too might find them helpful.

In the first post he tries to help us diagnose the causes of workaholism and the effects.

In the second post he move from these 5 causes of workaholism 

Idolatry: the worship of work
Greed: pursuit of material rewards
Escapism: avoidance of less pleasant responsibilities
Identity: defining oneself by one’s work
Unbelief: distrusting God’s provision

to the reality many of us in ministry face–the enjoyment or fulfillment that comes from ministry.

I'd say to any pastor or individual in full-time ministry, if you don't absolutely love your job–leave it or if you could see yourself doing something else–do it.  But let's not love our ministry at the expense of our relationship with God or our family.

(I could write this blog post this week–because I'm taking a week off to do projects at home.  I probably will need to review it in a few week!)