How can we apply the diligence of Sheba and Raamah in our work? Setting the Scene—Ezekiel 27:22 “The merchants of Sheba and Raamah traded with you; they exchanged the finest spices, precious stones, and gold for your merchandise.” Tyre drew the best products from distant lands. Sheba and Raamah were known for excellence, reliability, and honorable trade. Their diligence shines across centuries as a model for our daily work. Traits We Observe in Sheba and Raamah • Quality-minded: “finest spices, precious stones, and gold” • Resourceful: crossing deserts and seas to secure rare goods • Trustworthy: Tyre depended on them for consistent supply • Purposeful trade: value added, not mere bartering of leftovers Biblical Principles Linked to Their Diligence • Excellence honors God—“Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24). • Skill brings influence—“Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings” (Proverbs 22:29). • Honest dealing matters—“Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD” (Proverbs 11:1). • Diligence satisfies—“The soul of the diligent is fully satisfied” (Proverbs 13:4). • All labor is worship—“Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Applying Their Diligence to Our Work 1. Pursue Quality Over Convenience – Deliver work that could be labeled “finest.” – Resist shortcuts that dilute excellence. 2. Cultivate Expertise and Initiative – Invest time in learning your craft; Sheba and Raamah mastered spice routes and gem markets. – Seek opportunities others overlook; innovation often begins at the margins. 3. Build a Reputation of Integrity – Keep commitments, meet deadlines, honor agreements. – Be transparent in pricing, policies, and performance. 4. Think Long-Term Stewardship – They transported treasures meant to endure; plan projects with lasting value. – View resources as gifts to manage, not exploit. 5. Add Value, Don’t Merely Exchange – Look for ways to improve processes, serve customers, and bless coworkers. – Like precious stones cut and polished, refine ideas before presenting them. 6. Let Work Become Witness – Dependability opens doors for meaningful conversations about the Lord behind our diligence. – “We are taking great care to do what is right… in the eyes of men” (2 Corinthians 8:21). Daily Checklist for Modern “Merchants” ☐ Was my work today of a quality I could offer to a king? ☐ Did I learn or improve a skill? ☐ Were my dealings transparent and fair? ☐ Did I steward time, money, and resources wisely? ☐ Did my attitude and actions point others to Christ? Conclusion—Carrying Their Legacy Forward Sheba and Raamah remind us that God notices the way we conduct business. Their example calls us to diligent, excellent, and ethical labor that glorifies Him and serves people. Let every spreadsheet, classroom, storefront, and jobsite echo the aroma of their “finest spices,” proclaiming that the Lord is worthy of our very best. |
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