Is today the first day in a new job role for you? Maybe you were doing great in your former role and got promoted. Or perhaps you saw a great opportunity and switched employers. Even still, you may not have this new job by choice, having been terminated or downsized from your previous position. Whatever the course that brought you to this point, a great question to ask of yourself today is, “How can I make the most of this job?” Optimism and a commitment to excellence pays off emotionally (your attitude), personally (in work relationships) and financially (successful work is often rewarded). We can look to leadership in the Bible to help us know how to make the most of a job from day one.
Your position was chosen. As a Christ-follower, it’s consistent with Scripture to believe that God chose this role for you. Jesus reminds us in John 15:16, “I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide…” Your fruit as a Christ-follower is the spiritual impact you have on the people around you. Whatever your specific role, consider how your increasing trust in God can help guide and direct you toward those avenues that will be most beneficial for your life. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
You don’t have all the answers. In any new job, it’s a foregone conclusion that you will have something to learn. You don’t know all the people and internal politics of your role. You don’t know the company’s systems and procedures. There’s always a learning curve on day one. Of course you’ll have some kind of onboarding and training, but also look to God to instruct you on how to best accomplish what He has for you in this job. When we ask God, He responds “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you” (Psalm 32:8). With respect to our work, the Scriptures also instruct us, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3).
Give your best effort. Sometimes as people we let negatives of the past, resentment, disappointment or other emotions weigh us down as we go forward. It’s easier to commit to be diligent in your work if you’ve arrived at a promotion or an expanded role. Harder though is realizing that no matter how you arrived at your position, God expects you to give it your all. Excellence is not a vague reference. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” This is a clear mandate to give your best.
You do not know what God has in store for you in the coming days and weeks—perhaps this will be the beginning of an important and impactful time in your life, personally and spiritually. Resolve today that you will be first committed to God in your new job, that you will listen for His voice and direction in your work and relationships, and that you will do your best at all times, knowing first that this glorifies God above all else. These are three simple ways to bring a positive and God-centered mindset to your work—on Day One.
Ryan Dunlap