February 11, 2026

Business by the Book

Genesis 39:21-22  But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners that were in the prison; and whatsoever they did there, he was the doer of it.

Joseph was falsely accused and put into prison, yet he continued to prosper. The keeper of the prison gave Joseph a leadership position and Joseph was over everything they did there. Joseph had a gift. His gift was in management and administration. In today’s competitive climate sound management and administration practices are vital to the success of any organization. Yet, many times people with these gifts are overlooked or viewed as unnecessary.

Have you noticed that few all-star sports heroes go on to be all-star managers? A person may be gifted at hitting a baseball 400 feet, that does not mean that they are gifted at motivating others to become homerun hitters, organizing team workouts, strategies, personal decisions, or interacting with the media.

Two baseball legends are Babe Ruth and Pete Rose. The history of these two ball players is well documented. Both were very successful in the game. Ruth was naturally gifted, he could hit a baseball with little or no practice. Rose on the other hand had to work at getting on base. His nickname of “Mr. Hustle” speaks of the attribute that made him a valuable baseball commodity. Both had tremendous stats and were giants of the game. One was gifted, the other had to work to be great.

Everyone is gifted in some area, and in all the other areas they must work and work hard to be great. Find your gift. If you are a leader, find the gifts of those with whom you work. If you have a task that is not within the scope of your gift, work hard. Remember the Bible says, A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men. (Proverbs 18:16)  We will visit this thought again.

Dr. William Howe