How to Get Promoted at Work

Genesis 39

In many ways, Joseph provides a great example of a model employee. In his youth, he may have had some trouble with humility (Gen. 37:8, his brothers interpreted his dream descriptions as bragging). But after being sold into slavery, he worked his way up in Potiphar's house, so that 39:4 says, "Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned." We don't know the hierarchy of Potiphar's slaves, but it's safe to say that this responsibility was quite a promotion.

After being falsely accused and convicted, Joseph is thrown in jail. Yet again, 39:22 says, "the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there." Again, a lot of responsibility for a slave-turned-inmate.

How did Joseph attain these promotions? Two things stand out. First, the chapter says several times "God was with Joseph." These promotions and responsibilities came from God. Second, Joseph was obedient and honest, even when that honesty was not convenient. As we think about promotions and accomplishments in our own jobs, there are several lessons for us. First, remember that achievements come from God, not on our own. Potiphar, the warden, and later Pharaoh trusted Joseph because they saw that God was with him.

Second, just because God was with him didn't mean that everything was smooth sailing. Remember his Egyptian employment started because his own brothers sold him into slavery. Remember that his reward for ethical behavior in Potiphar's house was prison. Remember that he helped out the cup bearer but was forgotten. Contrary to a prosperity gospel, just because you are a Christian and do the right things doesn't mean that everything works out perfectly every time. At least once for Joseph, doing the right thing hurt him.

Joseph trusted God. God gave him accomplishments and recognitions but allowed hardships at other times. But Joseph still trusted God.