Let there be no doubt, that if you want to get in trouble at work, then don’t work hard or pull your own weight. No one likes people who don’t work hard and give it their all, but if you want to see how the Bible describes how employers feel about those who aren’t quite up to snuff then look no further than Proverbs 10:26: “Lazy people are a pain to their employer. They are like smoke in the eyes or vinegar that sets the teeth on edge”. That’s pretty descriptive wouldn’t you say? How hard someone is perceived to be working is many times situational and can be as much emotionally determined by others as what is really happening. Bosses especially are vulnerable to the changing perception as they fall under stress for deadlines and/or results. But, if the perception of laziness is so distasteful that it is like vinegar on the teeth, then you can believe it is important to stay on the right side of that perception. One way to do this is to ensure that there is open communication between you and your manager and that you are doing all that you can to be in tune with what the hot buttons are in the business. More importantly, if you continue to show that you want to be one step ahead, go the extra mile, and do whatever it takes to get the job done, then you will be setting a great example for others and you can expect that your manager will be beyond satisfied with your performance. Our purpose is to bring glory to God within our work and I believe with all the references in the Bible to hard work and like this verse, to not be lazy or idle, God becomes pleased when we are using our talents to our full capability and capacity. And when God is pleased then we can know that we are doing all the right things and we can live and work without any doubt of what is expected from us.

Reference: Proverbs 10:26 (New Living Testament)