Today, the Scripture is taken from: Genesis 39:1-6

Theme Verse:

"So Joseph found favour in his sight and attended him, and he made him overseer of his house and put him in charge of all that he had." Genesis 39:4 (ESV)

Would you describe yourself as a trustworthy person? Joseph could. He sought Potiphar's best interests and didn't use his position for his own advantage. Potiphar saw God's hand on Joseph. He delegated everything to Joseph's oversight and only concerned himself with the food he ate.

Many people working for such a disengaged superior would be tempted to slack off a bit. Or take special privileges. Not Joseph, though. He always acted as a trustworthy steward.

Joseph didn't act that way because Potiphar was such an outstanding guy. No, an attitude of stewardship starts with our view of God. Even the best leaders are fallible, and many bosses are fickle and selfish. But God always deserves our best. That's why the apostle Paul reminded slaves many times that they served God and not their mortal masters.

Dr. Bill Peel, founding executive director of The Center for Faith and Work at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, described a steward's mentality:

A steward doesn't own; he holds in trust and uses what he has been given for the one who owns it. Arrogance and pride don't have any place in this equation. The title deed to our lives and the entire universe is in God's name. He holds all the rights of ownership. ¹

Your mindset has to be transformed in order to discern the will of God in your life. Your life belongs to God. It's not about your comfort or advancement. Your money, your time, your job, your talents and abilities-none of that is about you. You are a steward of those things for God's Kingdom purposes. In doing so, your faithful stewardship transforms the workplace culture.

If you see God as your boss, it will affect how you go about your work: how you use your time, how you use company resources, how you treat your coworkers. You should pursue excellence in your work, not to move up the ladder, but because it directs glory to God-the kind of glory that captures the interest and attention of people around you. Col 3:23 reflects the Christian attitude that we are exhorted to have at the workplace, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men".

The apostle Paul told the Corinthians, "It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful" (1 Corinthians 4:2). He went on to say that God "will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God" (1 Corinthians 4:5).

What if you are in a workplace where your faithfulness is not recognized? Well then, these verses can be a great encouragement. But if you are bending rules or seeking your own interests first, they are a sobering warning. What changes might you need to make?

Joseph proved faithful as a steward in Potiphar's house. As you'll see in tomorrow's reading, that didn't turn out well for him in the short term. But one hallmark of good stewards is that they look beyond the short term. God calls us to take the long view, to live our lives now in light of his eternal Kingdom. As Jesus said, "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?" (Mark 8:36).

As stewards at the workplace, we need to embrace the Christian vision and purpose for us in our professions. It motivates us to work and strive for excellence in all that we do. It is not just mundane work but our work is an act of worship unto the Lord. It is conveyed in Genesis 2:15, "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it." (ESV) This mindset provides meaning for work in our lives. Ask God to transform our perception of work and help us see it as a form of stewardship unto Him and be faithful in it.

Let’s pray.

Lord, we thank you for calling us to work for you at our workplace. We recognise that we are stewards and are accountable to You. Please transform our mindsets and empower us to work for You with all our hearts. We pray that we will be faithful stewards who will receive the due rewards in Your time. Use us to transform the workplace culture for Your glory. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Time for Reflections

1.   We are called to be stewards at the workplace. In what way does this help us see our calling?

2.   How would you rate yourself as a steward at your job?

3.   Where do you need to grow in having a stewardship mindset in your life?