Ecclesiastes 10:1 (NKJV) Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor.

Flies are annoying, distracting and obnoxious. However, God created them and mentions them in Scripture to give us wisdom at work.

No one likes finding a dead fly in a beverage, food, or medication. It is repulsive to even think about. In this passage, the Lord equates folly in the life of His people with a dead fly in the ointment.

To God and man, our folly stinks. That is why it is so important for us to lead by example and not by force. It is when we lead by force and not by example (like the Pharisees) that we begin to stink. It is when we do not practice what we preach (like the Pharisees) that we begin to stink. It is when we think that the ends justify the means (like the Pharisees) that we begin to stink. It is when we have worldly motives, attitudes, and behavior (like the Pharisees) that we begin to stink.

Which leads me to this question: does your work stink? As a Christian business owner, executive, manager or employee, your work quality should be excellent. Your attitude should be enthusiastic. God's Light should shine through you like a radiant beacon.

Sadly, many Christians in the workplace really do stink. Their sourpuss attitudes and lousy work habits hinder their fruitfulness in leading co-workers to Christ. Right now, please ask the Holy Spirit to reveal and remove any dead flies that are in your heart, mind, body and soul. He is fully capable of cleansing you and making you a vibrant, Godly example at work today.

Let’s think about and discuss these questions:

1. What folly in your life and work do you think can outweigh wisdom and honor?

2. How should Christians avoid exhibiting negative traits like the Pharisees in your work and life?

3. Reflect on your own words and actions in work and life that may stink, how would you think to correct them?