Model for Strong Work Ethic

The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the Lord was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. So he left in Joseph’s care everything he had; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. – Genesis 39:2-6

Joseph presents a model of character that we all must follow. When he arrived in Egypt, he worked hard and did not attempt to hide his faith – he was faithful to his God and kept his priorities in order. Joseph was so faithful to his God that even the pagans he was surrounded by acknowledged that the Lord was with him. Being his fathers’ favorite, it was good that Joseph was afflicted. If he had remained at home under his father’s care, he may not have developed the strength of character that he displayed in the above passage of scripture. If Joseph had stayed with his father, he may not have had the opportunity to grow and mature into a young man full of character and integrity.

When we show up at our job we are to follow the model that Joseph maps out in the Bible for us:

1) We are to work as if we are working for the Lord. Our ultimate boss is Our Heavenly Father.

2) We are not to follow the herd. Even if others are finding innovative ways to do less and still get paid, that should not be enough reason for joining the bandwagon and cheating our employer.
It is our hard work and integrity that will be the strongest witness for Jesus Christ.

3) Regardless of how challenging our work environment may be, we must continue to work hard, obey our employer and apply ourselves understanding that through perseverance and hard work, we build strength of character.

4) What you are doing now may seem insignificant but be rest assured God is preparing you today for what he wants to do in your life tomorrow. Nothing in your life is a wasted experience. You may be working unnoticed and it seems that no-one cares but God cares about all that you do. God is the one who sets one up and brings another down, he will surely promote you at the right time. Your God who sees you in secret will one day reward you in public.

5) God will use you to bless your employer. The blessings that come through you will be your biggest testimony of the goodness of God.