Excellence At WorkExemplo

We are Created and Called to Work with Excellence

In Genesis 1:28, God gives us specific work to do in the world: to take the raw material of creation and fill the earth. This includes building cities, industries, and all kinds of products and services. When it’s excellent, our work reflects God’s glory. Excellent work creates, sustains, and fixes the world around us. Any excellent work fulfills the call God issued in Genesis 1.

Joseph had a clear idea of his calling even as a young boy in Canaan. God gave Joseph dreams of the sort of work he would do one day – ruling over others. But Joseph didn’t yet know how to work with excellence, especially when it came to interpersonal communication. He had to undergo a transformative journey to learn how to rely on God for the strength and guidance to do excellent work.

Even when you get precise direction regarding your calling, the road can be lonely. Joseph’s story reveals this sobering reality. Joseph’s brothers were threatened by his dreams and jealous of the favor he found with their father. When you become clearer about the work God is calling you to do, others may respond to you with jealousy or rejection. Having the convictional clarity that your work is mandated by God can give you the strength you need to persevere, as Joseph did.

Prayer

Father, show me how my work fits within your vision for creation. Show me how my role and organization serve the creation mandate you gave us. Help me to feel the joy and significance that comes with seeing how my work aligns with yours. Help me to rest in the truth that my work is mandated by you and, therefore, is important to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.