“Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did” Genesis 39:3 NLT
One of the greatest advantages we have as believers is the Bible. In it we find tools and images that propel and encourage productivity and excellence. In this new year, it is possible that you may have come up with goals and plans. You may have also filled up your vision boards and really ready to go. However, in all, pay attention to factors that may hinder effective achievement of these plans.
If you will be productive and efficient this year, you must embrace the concept of work ethics. This means that there ought to be solid patterns of diligence and hard work that are constantly associated with you. It doesn’t matter if you are a 9-5 employee or an entrepreneur (business owner), you should be defined by the level of diligence that you exert daily. (Colossians 3:23)
Our anchor text highlights the testimonial of Joseph. The Bible described Joseph’s story in a way that should propel and inspire anyone reading it. Joseph was so diligent that his master noticed it. It means that if Joseph were to be a champion of “eye-service” as many do, he may have been found out and that would have ended his story.
However, we see that it was a consistent pattern with him to such an extent that his boss noticed. If you thought, “okay this was just a one-off experience”, what about when he was thrown in Jail?
Genesis 39:22-23 states: “…before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison. The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed”. How about that for a testimonial! How does one exert diligence and excellence in a prison? Why not rant or cry or lament profusely? That should ordinarily be the disposition of a prisoner, especially one who was wrongly imprisoned.
The summary of Joseph’s excellence is that he maintained a consistent work ethic whether in the palace or in prison. It was his nature and so he could not hide or diminish it. What about you, dear believer? What can we say about your current disposition to the work of your hands?
Are you known as an early bird? Do you deliver timely? Are you easily prone to excuses or doing the barest minimum? These are reflections that should stir you to do better such that you can decide that from today you will embrace diligence.
As earlier mentioned, we have an advantage as believers and through the scriptures, we see an image of what is possible with us. We see worthy examples of people who at various times exhibited hardwork and diligence.
Today and beyond, determine to establish patterns of dilligence and visible work ethics.
Bible Reading Plan: Luke 5: 1-16