EXPOSITION:

In our devotion today, we shift our attention to discipline at our workplace. In our Scripture reading, we are exposed to the diligence and the tenacity with which the men assembled by Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem committed themselves to the task at hand.   We read that despite the threatening they received, they still committed themselves to work; not allowing anything to shift their attention. You may have the desire to work but it takes the one who is disciplined to have significant achievements. 

Again, we read that as they worked, they had their swords, spears and bows beside them. They were alert, focused, determined and zealous. What a good example to emulate. The Christian is required to as much as possible ensure that his or her time and energy during working hours are geared towards the advancement of the organizational goals.

Paul in his epistle to the Church in Colossae admonished them, “that whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23 NIV). As Christians this should be our motivation at our workplace. While some may be involved in non-profitable activities during working hours, the Christian must be committed wholeheartedly to the ideals of the organization, knowing that God is the reason for whatever we do.

This is what Martin Luther King Jnr had to say:

“If a man is called to be street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause and say, here lived a great sweeper who did his job well.”