Being Respectful In Hard Times
Wednesday October 29, 2014
The book of Genesis in the Bible tells us the story of Joseph, Abraham’s great-grandson. Joseph was loved by his father but hated by his brothers who hurt him and schemed against him, eventually selling him into slavery. In spite of their ugly treatment, God was with Joseph and he found favour in the eyes of an important Egyptian official who bought him and made him his attendant. The official’s wife then tried to seduce Joseph and when he refused her, Joseph was unjustly accused once again - this time of attempted rape - and thrown into prison. While in prison, Joseph continued to honour God and respect those around him. With God’s help he was able to correctly interpret the dreams of two of the inmates. Pharaoh’s cupbearer’s dream was favourable and Joseph requested that he bring Joseph’s sorry state to the attention of Pharaoh. The cupbearer promised to do that. Sadly, in yet another example of unfair treatment, the cupbearer failed to keep his promise.
This did not stop Joseph living an honourable life of dignity and respect among fellow prisoners in a horrible prison, even though he must have been desperate to have things go well in his life. Joseph also had to overcome the frustration of being forgotten and let down once again.
Two full years later Pharaoh had a dream and none of the wise men of Egypt could interpret it. It was only then that the cupbearer remembered Joseph. God helped Joseph interpret Pharaoh’s dream and the outcome was that Joseph was put in charge of the whole land of Egypt, being second-in-command to Pharaoh himself, a place of great honour and respect. This was the beginning of the fulfillment of the dreams God had given Joseph as a child.
Joseph may have had some pity-parties over the disrespectful people and unfair events that took place during many years of his life, but he continued to seek God through even the darkest of days. When we follow the ways of the living God, He is faithful and will do for us all that He has promised in His word. He will honour us before others when we honour Him in our daily living.
But now the Lord declares: ‘Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained." (1 Samuel 2:30 NIV)
We have all heard the saying, “actions speak louder than words”. This is extremely important in the matter of giving respect to those around us and over us. As God has been kind and merciful to us, he commands us to be kind and compassionate towards others – all others. God’s standard is not, “some of the people some of the time”. God’s standard is, “all of the people in all circumstances”. It seems an impossible standard and, without God’s grace and forgiveness, it is. However, God is able to grow His grace in us to make us kind, courteous, and respectful people if we will let Him.
Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. (Matthew 7:12 NLT)
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