https://odb.org/2026/05/19/fully-dedicated
Genesis 39:2–6 (NIV): 2 The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master. 3 When his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD gave him success in everything he did, 4 Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. 5 From the time he put him in charge of his household and of all that he owned, the LORD blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph. The blessing of the LORD was on everything Potiphar had, both in the house and in the field. 6 So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.
Genesis 39:20–23 (NIV): 20 Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.
But while Joseph was there in the prison, 21 the LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. 22 So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. 23 The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.
Like all Singaporean men, I had to serve in the country’s armed forces when I turned eighteen. To be honest, I approached the conscription, which lasted two-and-a-half years, most reluctantly. Like many other young men, I tried to do the minimum, obeying instructions to the letter—no more, no less. Some, however, threw themselves into their tasks and ultimately gained much from their experience, learning about leadership and endurance.
Despite being sold off as a slave and imprisoned later on, Joseph fulfilled all his assigned responsibilities with the greatest dedication. Instead of resenting his situation, he took his role seriously, so much so that “Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care” (Genesis 39:6). Joseph also ended up in charge of the prison—and, finally, all of Egypt. Centuries later, the apostle Paul would also urge believers in Jesus: “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). (Leslie Koh, Our Daily Bread Condensed, 18th March 2026)
One of the things I always emphasised to younger generations whether Gen Z or the Millenials is to work hard while young, especially if we are starting out. The world is indeed your oyster and slacking at this stage will be your greatest regret later on in life. This is because you may not have the same opportunities when you’re older and the world will not be as kind and forgiving to you, for example, when you’re already in management in your late 30s or early 40s. Yes, be on the lookout for fresh openings or more attractive packages elsewhere, but don’t be calculative over your contributions at the work place. Because at the end of the day, it is you who will benefit the most if you work 12 hours a day instead of the minimum 8. Many do not realise that at the other side, employers often lament losing talent after training them and giving them exposure.
Leslie’s experience in the Singapore National Service reveals a tinge of regret. Instead of embracing his “predicament”, he resented his time at conscription and worked to rule when he should have thrown himself at the tasks in hand. If he had done the latter, he would have gained much more from his time at conscription.
One of the best examples in the Bible of giving your best despite your predicament is Joseph. He was betrayed by his brothers and sold to slave traders. But he quickly rose to be the chief slave at Potiphar’s household. Joseph had full responsibility for everything Potiphar owned although he himself was a chattel to his master in the eyes of the law. As we all know, Joseph subsequently rose to become the prime minister of Egypt (then the most powerful nation of the known world) and used his position to save the tribe of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob from the great famine and extinction. The clan of 70 people later became the nation of Israel and the Jews of today.
It is ironical but true. The hardwork we put in at work although may obstentially appear to unfairly be benefiting our employer more, actually benefits us more in terms of developing our skill sets and work experience. That is why Paul also advocates in Colossians 3:17 that: “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus”. Just do it for the glory of God even though we may at times feel we are not appreciated or our remuneration package should be better. Always remember, when we work hard and become better at what we do, no one can take that away from us. It is part of us and becomes us. Do all things in the name of Jesus Christ for the glory of God! Amen!
Ronnie's Thoughts 