Task Masking
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.