Today’s Reading, Genesis 46-47
Focal Scripture: Genesis 47:6 “the land of Egypt is open before you; settle your father and brothers in the best part of the land. They can live in the land of Goshen. If you know of any capable men among them, put them in charge of my livestock.”
We are all telling a story with how we live our lives. That story is either going to have a positive impact on others or it will have a negative impact. Far too often the negative gets more attention than the positive. Why? Because the negative creates a reaction in us that resonates. The negative focuses more on us as individuals and not on the Lord in heaven. I almost shared a negative story today but was convicted that the story would take away from the Lords mission of transformation.
Today’s reading is all about a story that highlights the positive way in which Joseph lived that impressed Pharaoh. Our focal verse says that Pharaoh gave Joseph’s family the ability to settle in the best part of the Land in Egypt. Pharaoh watched how Joseph lived and was so impressed that he wanted to honor him in a mighty way. An unbeliever was moved by the heart and attitude of Joseph. Think about how different Joseph must have been to change the heart of someone hostile to the Lord. That is a life worth imitating.
My challenge to you today is to examine your lifestyle amongst unbelievers. You are being watched to see if you put into practice what you say you believe. To many times professing believers claim to be followers but don’t adhere to the teachings of Christ. That reality confuses and even destroys their witness. People want truth lived out, not just in practice but also in reality.
So let’s put this to the test. If an unbeliever were to assess your actions off of your speech would they align with what you believe? Do you show grace and mercy or are you judgmental and vindictive? Do you speak about others in a positive way or do you destroy others behind their backs? One of the greatest compliments a person can receive is to have an unbeliever tell you that your faith challenged them to live differently.
I have had that happen a few times in my life. Once after I prayed for a waitress the person next to me said they have never seen that before and paid my lunch bill. They were impressed by my commitment to the truth and the gospel.
Unbelievers should be impressed by everything we do and want to honor our actions. This needs to be normalized in the Christian faith. Our attitudes tell a story and either brings people to Jesus or turns them away.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Genesis 48-50
