In the workplace, Task Masking is a new phenomenon. These youngsters are going the extra mile to look like they’re working hard while hardly working. Some videos give tips on how to look busy in the office: walk fast with a laptop; type furiously; have several meetings; pretend to multitask; spread simple tasks across the entire workday. (Orianna Rosa Royle, Yahoo News, 28 February 2025) Paul wrote: If you do not work, do not eat. (II Thessalonians 3:10)
Contributor not consumer: Without contribution, do not expect others to provide for you. Yes, there are a few who could not contribute because of handicaps like physical health, lack of literacy, lack of skills…etc. However, if possible, they should learn those skills to make themselves self-sufficient.
Work heartily: Paul writes that all disciples should work hard, giving their wholesome abilities, energy, experience, and strength. It is to work unto the Lord, not for a human boss, for self-satisfaction, for survival. (Colossians 3:23-25)
Pretend: The sad thing is that many people pretend to work, but do not work. Such a person is a partner or brother of the One Talented man in the Parable of Talents. (Matthew 25:14-30) He buried it, today it is not optimally used or minimally used. However, it is projected as hard and diligent work. It is like a Five-Talented man earning only three more instead of five more.
Laziness: The Bible warns that laziness, lack of fervor, and diligence would lead to poverty. Poverty will come like an unarmed person, which means, surprisingly, and when not expected. (Proverbs 14:23; Ecclesiastes 9:10) Those who are task-masking will be demoted or dismissed from the job.
Diligent work: When a person works diligently, it brings results: productivity and fruitfulness. Diligent workers have a good relationship with people. People who do honest work could be ignored by people who are envious and corrupt. But ultimately, they will be recognized and rewarded by God.
Ministry: Those who are doing ministry also do task-masking to show themselves busy and avoid tough jobs, but love privileges and perks.
Am I task-masking in my work or profession?