In what ways can we apply Jacob's diligence from Genesis 30:35 to our work? Jacob’s Diligent Example – Genesis 30:35 “That very day Laban removed the streaked and spotted male goats and all the speckled and spotted female goats—every one that had any white on it—and every dark-colored lamb—and he placed them under the care of his sons.” What Diligence Looked Like for Jacob • Worked faithfully even when treated unfairly (Genesis 31:7) • Stayed alert to details—colors, patterns, breeding cycles (Genesis 30:37-42) • Exercised creative problem-solving within righteous boundaries • Persevered for years, trusting God to bless honest labor (Genesis 31:38-41) • Guarded what was entrusted to him, accepting personal loss when animals were stolen (Genesis 31:39) Ways to Carry Jacob’s Diligence into Our Work Today • Steadfast Faithfulness – Show up consistently and finish tasks, even when supervisors change terms or seem unreasonable (Colossians 3:23-24). – Keep commitments; let “Yes” be “Yes” (Matthew 5:37). • Detailed Excellence – Learn the “patterns and colors” of your own field—policies, data, procedures, people. – Proverbs 22:29: “Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will stand before kings.” • Creative Initiative within Integrity – Seek solutions that add value without compromising truth (Proverbs 8:7). – Like Jacob’s peeled branches, look for God-honoring innovation that multiplies results. • Perseverance under Pressure – Resist discouragement when recognition is delayed (Galatians 6:9). – Remember Jacob’s fourteen years: long obedience brings lasting fruit. • Trust in God’s Justice – Jacob attributed increase to God, not to his own schemes alone (Genesis 31:9). – Commit outcomes to the Lord while laboring responsibly (Psalm 37:5). • Responsible Stewardship – Treat company resources as if they were your own flock, guarding against waste and loss (Luke 16:10). – Accept accountability; Jacob covered damages himself—model integrity over convenience. Encouragement for the Week Carry Jacob’s diligence into every assignment: work hard, work smart, work honest, and trust the Lord who still rewards faithful stewardship. |
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