There was once a promising young Greek politician named Epaminondas whose rise threatened some more established leaders (his full story in Right Thing, Right Now). To blunt his potential, they ‘promoted’ him to a job overseeing the city’s sewers and water.

It was supposed to be a humiliation – or, at the very least, a dead-end job. Instead, he did such a good job; he endeared himself to the population. With discipline and earnestness, Plutarch wrote, “He proceeded to transform that insignificant office into a great and respected honor, even though previously it had involved nothing more than overseeing the clearing of dung and the diverting of water from the streets.”

The Book of Genesis relates a similar story about a young man named Joseph (Genesis 37, 39-41, ESV). Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery to the Ishmaelites. They sold him to an Egyptian official in the court of the Pharaoh (Genesis 37:12-28, 36; ESV).

Joseph rose to prominence because of his excellent performance at whatever task he was assigned.

“The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, and he was in the house of his Egyptian master. His master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord caused all that he did to succeed in his hands.” (Genesis 39:2-3, ESV)

Even though he met with challenges and struggles because of the jealousy, greed, and lust of others, he continued to do excellent work at whatever was his task. He was recognized and rewarded for it.

“’You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.’ And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ’See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.’” (Genesis 41:40-41, ESV)

This does not mean you work for the accolades and promotions. The purpose of promotions should be to offer you the opportunity to do even greater things. Whatever you do, if you do it well, is noble. Whatever the work is, do it well – not for the boss, but for the glory of God.

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)

You make the task; it doesn’t make you. What’s in your control is how you do the task. Consider the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30, ESV). Each servant was given an opportunity, and each servant handled it differently. You are given the same opportunity.

You have been entrusted with resources of time, skills, and material wealth. Everything you have comes from God and belongs to Him. You are responsible for using those resources so that they increase in value. If you believe and understand God and apply His Word as a good steward, you are a blessing to others, and the value of what you do multiplies. You are accountable to the Lord for the use of the talents he gives you.

What’s in your control is who you are while you do the task. You are not the work you do; you are the person you are. Whether it’s appreciated, whether it’s an impressive or a lowly task, whether a project succeeds or fails – that’s not up to you. What’s up to you is obedience; that you do your best. What’s up to you is that you are the best you can be.

“But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” (1 Corinthians 12:31, ESV)

Inspired by the Daily Stoic Email, 15 Jan 2025