Long before smartphones and office buildings, people knew the value of putting in a good day’s work. Back then, in the Old Testament era, getting things done meant getting down and dirty with no fancy roadmaps, productivity apps, or AI assistants. It was pure sweat and muscle.
This article dives into the lives of three incredibly hardworking individuals from the Old Testament. They faced challenges way tougher than a slow internet connection.
Yet, they embodied the spirit of diligence. They achieved great feats as they advanced in a God-direction. Their stories offer timeless valuable insights and practical tips that we can apply to make our work work.
- Moses
Moses was a real icon of diligence. We can learn work success tips by highlighting some serious skills from his epic resume.
His Unwavering Commitment to His calling:
Leading the stubborn Israelites out of Egypt, and then guiding them through the wilderness for 40 years was no small thing. But Moses didn’t quit on his calling. He kept his faith strong and stayed committed to his calling, even when things got tough.
Think about it: Are you sticking to your goals, even when the going gets rough? Do you have the drive to see your goals through, no matter the obstacles? Can you boldly say you have unwavering commitment to your work?
Unyielding Negotiation:
Moses had to convince Pharaoh to let an entire nation walk away. He didn’t take no for an answer. He persisted, utilising various divine strategies, in the shape of plagues, until he got what he needed: the freedom of the Israelites.
Are you comfortable advocating for yourself and your ideas, even if it means facing rejection? Are you persistent in the face of rejection? Do you try different approaches to reach your goals?
Strong Work Ethic:
Leading a whole community in the wilderness, a harsh environment, isn’t a walk in the park. Imagine dealing with endless complaints, lost sandals in the desert, and “manna-aged” meals. Moses had to put in the hours to keep things running smoothly.
Are you willing to put in the hard work to achieve your work goals, even when it’s not glamorous? Do you have a strong work ethic?
Read How to discover lasting happiness at work
- Ruth
Life can be difficult sometimes, right? Ruth from the Bible totally gets it. She lost her husband, faced financial struggles, and had zero job security. But instead of hitting the snooze button on life, she decided to face life head on.
Here’s the thing I love most about Ruth: she didn’t let adversity break her. She stuck by her mother-in-law, Naomi, and went back to Bethlehem. Then, she got out there and worked hard, gleaning grain in Boaz’s fields to make ends meet.
And guess what? Embodying the spirit of diligence expanded her network. She met Boaz, a wealthy landowner, and got married. Together they played a key role in setting the stage for the birth of King David and eventually, Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
Ruth’s story reminds us that true purpose and fulfilment can be found in the values we uphold through our hard work and dedication.
So what specific work success tips can we learn from Ruth’s journey?
Seize the Opportunities:
When Ruth heard about gleaning leftover grain after the harvest, she didn’t hesitate. She saw an opportunity and went for it, showing us the importance of being resourceful and proactive.
Are you on the lookout for ways to advance, even if they seem small at first? Are you a resourceful and proactive person?
Go the Extra Mile:
The Bible says Ruth gleaned “until evening” (Ruth 2:17). She wasn’t just showing up. She was showing up strong and putting in the extra effort even when no one was watching. Eventually, her work got the attention of the CEO of her company, Boaz.
The book of Proverbs said it best: Seest thou a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men (Prov. 22:29).
Are you putting in the extra effort, even when no one’s watching? Think about this.
- Jacob
Jacob’s wasn’t what you will call a soft life. Imagine wrestling angels, sleeping on rocks, and hustling hard just to get married, twice! On top of that, his relationship with his twin brother, Esau, was some serious drama. He spent his life dealing with crazy situations.
But here’s the thing: Jacob survived and even thrived despite all the drama.
What work success tips can we learn from his life?
Adaptability:
Jacob had to adapt to new situations, whether it was working for Laban, fleeing from Esau, or building a new life in Egypt. His ability to adapt teaches us the value of versatility in navigating life’s challenges. His ability to adjust his approach based on circumstances highlights his adaptability.
Proactive Decision-Making:
Jacob’s foresight in preparing his family for the journey to Egypt during the famine shows the importance of visionary leadership and proactive decision-making. Being able to think and plan ahead of time is a useful trait for navigating complex situations.
And this is not exactly saying that you should look to store 100 liters of fuel every time it seems like a scarcity is about to hit. No. Jacob’s lesson is simply that no matter how overwhelming the present is, your decision making process should always involve casting your gaze forward instead of downward.
No matter how overwhelming the present is, your decision making process should always involve casting your gaze forward instead of downward.
Victor Anih
Are you looking for ways to get the best out of whatever effort you are putting out? Check out this message on How to Make Your Work Work!
In conclusion, Moses, Ruth and Jacob may not have lived in a world like ours. But they were committed to the gospel of diligence. And God was with them, ensuring that their diligence produced fruit.
We would love to have you join the conversation! Who are your icons of diligence in the bible and how do they inspire you? Share your thoughts and answers with us in the comment section below!
