How to Work Under Little or No Supervision

Daily Devotional – Friday, August 13, 2021

The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.

Genesis 39:23 (NKJV)

One of the most popular statements in job applications is, “I can work under little or no supervision.” I guess most of us have used it. I see it in many recommendation letters.

That said, how many of us really mean it when they make this claim? To paraphrase a Swahili saying, “When the cat is away, the rat rules.” In other words, when the boss is absent, some workers down their tools.

Let us consider a Bible character who exemplified the right attitude to work. Genesis 39:23 says, “The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the LORD was with him; and whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.”

If the Prison Commandant in Egypt was to write a recommendation letter for Joseph, he could have written, with confidence, “Joseph can work under no supervision.”

What was Joseph’s secret? Our key text says, “…because the LORD was with him…” God was on Joseph’s side because Joseph trusted and believed in God. The fruit of this relationship was, “…whatever he did, the LORD made it prosper.”

Do you want to succeed in all your undertakings? Do you want your employer to recognize and reward your effort? Do like Joseph, “Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.” (Psalms 37:5).

Under God’s guidance, you can work under no supervision and the results will speak for themselves. Almighty God, I commit all my plans and work to You. Please prosper me.