Background
“The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man, and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight and served him. Then he made him overseer of his house, and all that he had he put under his authority. So it was, from the time that he had made him overseer of his house and all that he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. Thus he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate.”
Genesis 39:2-6 NKJV
“Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison. But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing. The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.”
Genesis 39:20-23 NKJV
The story of Joseph is one that captures and encapsulates the presence of God over a man’s life and the combination of diligence and consistency. In our walk of faith, a discovery I have made is that many believe the faith life is about only fulfilling the spiritual needs. However, the fact that we are spiritual people does not mean unproductivity in the flesh(not living after the flesh or fulfilling its desires), but rather our good works are to be shown, for men to see and give glory to our Father. Let’s get into the Word…
Diligence and Consistency amidst glory or adversity
The story of Joseph is mainly known by many for the dreams and visions he had, his success above the trials he faced, serves as motivation for many. However, another point to note in the story is the level of diligence and consistency, he portrays that is much needed to be effective.
In the passages of study today, relating to Joseph’s stay at Portiphar’s and his time in prison, there is a distinction in the environments Joseph found Himself. One thing both environments had in common was favor, which he found in Portiphar’s home, to the extent that he was made an overseer of his house, and all the authority he exercised as we can see from the scripture quoted. Even in prison, he continued to enjoy God’s favor and excel as seen in the exploits he did while in prison.
Joseph due to his care and seriousness gave rest to his masters, in that they needed not to supervise his work. The elements Joseph carried did not lead him into handling matters committed into his hands irresponsibly, from the testimony given that Portiphar and the keeper of the prison did not have to do anything because they knew Joseph was in charge. This shows the level of diligence, care, and seriousness Joseph took over what was committed into his hands. Many believers think their spirituality exempts them from carrying out duties with care, however, we find in I Thessalonians 4:11, where Paul reckons us, to work and walk properly. Colossians also admonish to do everything heartily as unto the Lord and not to men. Therefore, be it in prison or at the seat of glory, we must be a representation of the Father.
As observed in the life and character of Joseph, if we aim to excel in every area of our lives, just as Joseph was diligent and consistent, we must endeavor to live a life of diligence, faithfulness, and consistency as seen in the life of Joseph.
God does not give Himself to careless and lousy men.
Have you wondered why amidst the things Joseph went through, he experienced successes and did exploits as the scripture references? The excelling factor was the presence of God, as seen in the verse the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all he did to prosper in his hand. With these, we are to notice that we represent God wherever we find ourselves, as stewards carrying out the mandate of God. It is required of stewards, that a man be found faithful(1Corinthians 4:2). The presence of God is a representation of Himself in us, but the Spirit of God is not actively at work due to insufficient awareness and knowledge. ( read more An excellent Spirit) . If then we are aware of His presence in us, we ought to carry ourselves in a manner worthy of such because, the Spirit of God partners with us, and is not limited only to spiritual gifts and manifestations. For the spirit to be at work in us, there is also the need for seriousness, zeal, and discipline. Psalms 90:17 records, let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. This emphasizes we have a part to play, and a duty to work.
Growing up there was a verse I used to recite, which I have a better understanding of now. Proverbs 22:1, a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving favor rather than silver and gold. We can see this manifest in the life of Joseph, even Portipha an unbeliever saw that the Lord was with Joseph because he manifested the spirit of excellence and scripture affirms that the Lord was with him in all that he did. I quite remember back in the days employers looked out for faithfulness, diligence, and honesty such found in believers to employ above academic credentials. However, it is rather unfortunate it looks like it is difficult to find such men in our days. Men like Joseph who will uphold their reputation and Godly principles and not for the love of money. In similar vein as lightbearers of the world, let us uphold ourselves with a high standard of responsibility and shine out diligence, accountability, and faithfulness in all we do. By so doing people see and know that we are the sons of God. The world can deny His existence, but can never deny the impact of His presence if we are diligent and consistent.