12 Secrets for Successful Families - Conclusion of 11. Industriousness

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Cultivate a positive view of work by following the steps outlined here.

Take pride in learning to do his will. Whether you are doing chores, finishing your home work, or engaging in secular work, immerse yourself in what you are doing. Once you can perform a task well, look for ways to improve-doing it faster or better.  The more skilled you are, the more you will enjoy your work.

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: "Have you seen a man skilled at his work?  He will stand before kings; he will not stand before common men." -Proverbs 22:29 

See the bigger picture.  In almost every case, when you care for your responsibilities well, you can benefit others.   For example, when you are industrious about your chores, you lighten the load for others in your family.

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: "There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving." -Acts 20:35.  

Go the extra mile.  Instead of doing just the same  bare minimum, try to do more than you are required to do.  In this way, you are in control of your life-doing more, not because you are being forced to, but because you chose to. -Matthew 5:41. 

Be balanced.  Industrious people are not lazy, nor are they workaholics.  They aim  for balance, finding employment both in hard work and in periods of rest. 

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: "Better is a handful of rest than two handfuls of hard work and chasing after the wind." -Ecclesiastes 4:6. 

Next time: 12 Secrets for Successful Families - 12.  Goals

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