Genesis 42:1
“Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?”

When you look at those who have been successful in life, you will find that most, if not all of them, have three characteristics. In doesn’t matter what field of life you look at, those who are successful in every field have these three characteristics. These characteristics are what separates them from the crowd. Many times those who are successful are not the most talented or the most intellectual, but these characteristics were the ingredients that helped them overcome whatever shortcomings they may have.

Joseph’s brothers lacked these characteristics. A famine hit that region of the country, and their food sources had run out. Their father said to them, “Why do ye look one upon another?” This one statement shows why Joseph was so much different from his brothers. These brothers had heard like their father that there was food in Egypt, but they lacked the characteristics that cause people to separate themselves from the crowd. Three characteristics are seen in this one statement that will separate you from the crowd if you decide to adopt them.

The first characteristic is initiative. Proverbs 10:4 says, “He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” Initiative is that ability to make yourself do something without anyone telling you to do it. Initiative is what causes some to rise to leadership. There are going to be days when you don’t feel like doing what you are supposed to do, but initiative is what drives you to do it. If you want God to bless, you need to develop the initiative to do what you are supposed to do without being told. Initiative is an essential characteristic that separates you from others.

The second characteristic is creativity. In the parable of the talents, the men who had five and two talents were creative in multiplying their talents. They were commended because of their creativity. If you want to separate yourself from others, you are going to have to think on your feet. In other words, when you see an obstacle, find a way over the obstacle. Jacob’s brothers were looking at each other instead of finding a way to make it through the famine. The wisdom of God will help you to be creative. If you face an obstacle, ask God for wisdom to show you how to overcome it. He promises in James 1:5 to give you wisdom if you ask.

The third characteristic is productivity. Joseph’s brothers were standing looking at each other instead of working to find a solution. Proverbs 12:24 says, “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule…” Hard work will overcome whatever you lack in talent. I heard a person once say that work is accomplishing tasks, not staying busy. Many people stay busy throughout the day, but at the end of every day, you need to ask yourself what you have accomplished. Those who are successful will be productive; they will accomplish something every day.

In a world filled with people, there must be something that separates you from the crowd. When all three characteristics are found in one person, it is sure to separate that person from others. As a Christian, you should exemplify these characteristics for they are character traits God wants in every Christian.