God calls us to be industrious in all we do in life. Romans 12:11 commands Christians to be “Not Slothful in business…”.  Colossians 3:23 states “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…”.  Proverbs 14:23 states “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”   In addition, Proverbs 22:29 tells us that “Do you see a man skilled in his work?  He will stand before kings; He will not stand before obscure men”.

The phrase “skilled in his work” is better translated “prompt in his business” or in other words someone who is diligent/industrious.  The Proverbs promise that such person will tend to rise to a position of prominence and not remain down with the less diligent persons.  Rather than being a source of pride, this recognition/promotion brings glory to God as we are to work as for the Lord and not for men.

The two best examples of this in the Bible are Joseph and Daniel.  Both served faithfully and diligently in lower positions before being raised to positions of rulership by their kings.   In fact, both started as lowly slaves before rising to stand before (and even alongside) kings. Also, both gave glory to God and did not become prideful in their exalted position.

Every Christian has a life plan of position/duties assigned to them by God – both in the secular world and in the Church.  Some are in leadership positions but most in more “lowly” positions.  Whether in high or low positions every Christian can be equally successful in God’s eyes.  Any person who faithfully and diligently carries out the duties given to them by God, through the gifting he will provide, will “stand before kings” – that is be recognized for their faithful, valuable and essential work that they carried out so faithfully.  In many cases, they will be recognized and honored in this life as all of us have seen happen to servants of God, even when performing for years in lowly positions.  More importantly, they will hear the “well done, good and faithful servant” from the King of kings which will be their true reward.