As young professionals who are working in the market place, work ethic is one of the most important factors that bring successfulness in our career. If we see the Jews, even though they are few in population, but they can give a great influence and impact to the world.
If we are talking about work ethic, rather than we learn from the guidance that is offered in the world, we better learn from Jacob, who is known as Israel as well, to understand how a good attitude in work can bring successfulness in his career and life.
Before we learn about Jacob’s experience, we should know who Jacob was. Jacob is the second son of Isaac and Sara and was born a few minutes after Esau, his elder brother. Jacob got a special covenant blessings from his father after he pretended to be Esau. This made Esau very angry.
When Jacob was working for Laban, Laban admitted that God had blessed his farm because of special blessings that Jacob had (Genesis 30:27). And if we read Genesis 30:30, it is said that God blessed Jacob in all he did, “The little you had before I came has increased greatly, and the LORD has blessed you wherever I have been. But now, when may I do something for my own household?”
One fact we should know is Jacob entered Syria without nothing, but 20 years later he returned to the promise land with abundant wealth.
At least there are 4 things that we can learn from Jacob experience :
1. Hardwork
Genesis 31:40, “This was my situation: The heat consumed me in the daytime and the cold at night, and sleep fled from my eyes.” Jacob did not easily give up to the situation. Jacob survived in difficult times. He didn’t complain even though the workload was very heavy.
2. Loyal to the vision
Genesis 31:7, “yet your father has cheated me by changing my wages ten times. However, God has not allowed him to harm me.” Jacob was loyal to his assignment, even when he was mistreated by Laban. We need to be faithful in doing small things, so we can be trusted for greater things.
3. Determination
Jacob was focused on what he wanted (Rachel) and allowed nothing to prevent him from getting it. He wanted Rachel for his wife, and his desire became his motivation for working. We need to focus when we are working. When we do not focus, we will not work effectively.
4. Walking in the covenant of God.
Jacob was under a special generational covenant blessings through his father, Isaac (Gen 27:27-29). We need to depend on God, do not work only depend on our own strength and understanding, follow God’s way and walking in His covenant.
(YABS Sermon, 21 August 2009)
God Bless You All!
