Genesis 39:2 The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.
As long as you try to be the best you will be the first. Many get this equation wrong as they strive to be first but not the best. People with an excellent spirit automatically rise to the top when they strive to be the best. Joseph worked with an excellent spirit in all that he did. He had no formal education but he excelled in business management . 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. So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. (Genesis 39:5-6). The livestock of Potiphar reproduced exponentially, his barns were full, his employees were well motivated, trained and groomed and his house was glitzy and flamboyant. So Potiphar left everything he had under Joseph’s care. Even when Joseph was unlawfully, illegitimately and illicitly thrown into prison, the same spirit of excellence was found in Joseph. He worked in the quarry breaking stones, cleaning toilets and sweeping floors, with excellence! The warden of the prison made Joseph (a Hebrew) in charge of other Egyptian prisoners. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did (Genesis 39:23). The virtue that made Joseph excel in everything he did was “Integrity”
Integrity means our words and actions are integrated – ‘You walk the talk and talk the walk’. A person with an excellent spirit will be integrous in public and even in private when no one is watching them.
Spirit of Excellence and Integrity:
1. Truth: Truth is not displayed in words but in action. When tempted to commit adultery with the wife of Potiphar, Joseph said, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God? (Genesis 39:9b)”. He didn’t stop with being politically right with flashy words but fled from the hands of the promiscuous woman. The spirit of excellence, is fueled by truthfulness, honesty and purity.
2. Trust: Trust is built with consistency in words and behaviour. Joseph’s working standards were his signature. Right from cleaning the window sill to training the horses, Potiphar could trust everything in the hands of Joseph. Potiphar was rest assured that none of his resources would be abused or misused when it is in the hands of Joseph. If we are trustworthy with paper clips and office stationery God will put us in-charge of the treasury of the company and even our country. Spirit of excellence is built on trust.
3. Tranquility: Tranquility, serenity and peace is the strength of the spirit of excellence. Confidence and calmness are congruent. Joseph waited patiently in the prison for God’s time of deliverance and elevation. While he waited, he maintained a spirit of excellence and tranquility. Waiting doesn’t make us serene, but our attitude while waiting will wire the excellent spirit in us. Be patient where you are, excel in what you are doing; being the best is the way to become the first.
A person with the spirit of excellence is integrous.
Genesis 41:39b-40a Then Pharaoh said to Joseph,…40 You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, build the structure of integrity in me and help me to exercise the spirit of excellence in all that I do. Amen
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