A young fella rushed into a service station and asked the manager if he had a pay phone. The manager nodded, “Sure, over there.” The boy pushed in some change, dialed, and waited for an answer. Finally, someone came on the line. “Uh, sir,” he said in a deep voice, “could you use an honest, hardworking young man to work for you?” The station manager couldn’t help overhearing the question. After a moment or two the boy said, “Oh, you already have an honest, hardworking young man? Well, okay. Thanks just the same.” With a broad smile stretched across his face, he hung up the phone and started back to his car, humming and obviously elated. “Hey, just a minute!” the station manager called after him. “I couldn’t help but hear your conversation. Why are you so happy? I thought the guy said he already had somebody and didn’t need you?” The young man smiled. “Well, you see, I am the honest, hardworking young man. I was just checking up on my job!”

Honest, hardworking employees are tough to find, and when you toss in competence, a positive attitude, teachability, punctuality, proper attire, a team spirit, loyalty, confidentiality, honesty, and an ability to get along well with others, wow! No wonder every boss I talk to answers my question “What is the key ingredient of your organization?” the same way: PERSONNEL.

What kind of employee are you? Do a little one-to-ten appraisal (ten being the best) on the following characteristics from the Book of Proverbs: diligent, thoughtful, skillful, loyal, teachable, humble, thorough, fair, cooperative, honest, positive.

Contrary to popular opinion, work is not the result of the curse. Adam was given the task of cultivating and keeping the Garden before sin ever entered (Gen. 2:15).

Then what was the curse? It was the addition of “thorns and thistles” that turned work into a “toil” and made the whole thing a sweaty hassle. But work itself is a privilege, a high calling, a God-appointed assignment to be carried out for His greater glory.

Today, it isn’t literal briars and stinging nettles that give us fits; it’s thorny people whose thistlelike attitudes add just enough irritation to make the job . . . well, just a job.

The difference is people. No, let’s get specific. The difference is you.

The place you work will never be better than you make it. What are you making it? Want to find out?

Give your boss an imaginary phone call, and listen to His response with an open mind.