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Christian Work Ethic

Undercover Boss and Your Work Ethic

By Hannah Goodwyn
CBN.com Producer

CBN.comCorporate heads are infiltrating their companies in CBS' new reality series, Undercover Boss. It’s a win-win situation for both the execs and the network, as the companies benefit from the free PR and the resulting changes, while CBS gets a hit show for Sunday night viewers.

With two episodes under its belt, Undercover Boss so far has disguised two high-level executives as new employees in entry-level positions so they can work and observe in the trenches. This clandestine challenge gives these bosses the chance to see what changes need to be made to better their organizations, who is working above and beyond, and who needs a stern talkin’ to.

"This Week on Undercover Boss"

Larry O’Donnell, the president and chief operating officer for Waste Management, hit the ground running in the series’ first episode, which aired right after the Super Bowl. O’Donnell worked at a recycling facility, picked up trash on a landfill, cleaned portable toilets, and drove on trash collection route during a week that he says “is really going to change [his] life.”

This past Sunday, it was President/CEO Cody Brooks’ turn to experience the nitty-gritty of his Hooters Restaurants. Brooks worked “back-of-house” duty, did a little street promotion (witnessing first-hand the public’s view of his restaurants), and assisted managers.

Watching O’Donnell and Brooks begin to appreciate “the little guy” hits close to home as we can all daydream about having our boss’ boss’ boss get a dose of daily operations. After each undercover operation, the executives return to headquarters with ideas on how to fix problems they encountered and lift company morale.

If every boss in America watched this show, and took its sentiment to heart, then we could all expect good changes to happen at work. The same is true for employees. Undercover Boss not only puts execs in down and dirty jobs, but it also shines a bright light on work ethics. O’Donnell and Brooks soon discover who on their staff works hard and who hardly works. Sure it would be great to have your boss work in your shoes for a day, but what would they find out about your work ethic?

The "Undercover Boss"

The truth is that God is an “undercover boss” on the job with us everyday. He sees those who are exceeding expectations and those who are slacking. Make no mistake; the Lord is very interested in your work life. The number of scripture verses dedicated to defining good work ethics is evidence of that.

When God gave Moses His live-by-these instructions on Mount Sinai, He included a commandment about this very issue.

Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work. Exodus 20:8-9 (NLT)

Most biblical teaching focuses on the first part of this verse, but the second half is just as significant. The Sabbath is crucial -- for those who work hard. In Ecclesiastes 9:10, the Word encourages us to finish the work day strong.

Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. (NLT)

When you work, do so as if you are directly reporting to God (I Corinthians 15:58). Do your job without complaining (Philippians 2:14), and with excellence – even when you don't think your employers are looking (Colossians 3:22-25).

As Christians, we live by a higher standard – God’s Word. Every time you feel stressed, overwhelmed, or unmotivated at work remember Ephesians 6:7.

Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. (NLT)


Hannah GoodwynHannah Goodwyn is CBN.com's Family and Entertainment producer. For more articles and information, visit Hannah's bio page.

 

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