Godly Character Trumps Worldly Compromise

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said.But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.
Genesis 50:15-21

Joseph’s brother’s guilt still lingered; a sting of regret of what they had done to him. Unable to move pass what had happened, they conjured a letter as if it was from their father to make sure Joseph would not go back on His word. As Joseph reads this letter, he weeps and reassures them with a powerful response, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” 

How is that Joseph didn’t wreak havoc and see revenge? Perhaps the vision God has given to him at a young age is unfolding right before him as his brothers throw themselves down at him. How does one muster such strength and self-control?  Easily, Joseph could have struck with vengeance. He experienced so much like being sold into slavery, falsely accused, and spent time in prison. Yet his heart did not harden. John Maxwell says, “Crisis doesn’t necessarily make character, but it certainly does reveal it.” Every circumstance Joseph went through was a classroom for God to mold him. It is through the refining fire that character developed Joseph. He didn’t let any of his situations compromise him but conquered every trial.

APPLICATION:

I want to be built like Joseph. He learned how to not give in or give up when faced with various trials. In the book of James, he reveals that trials are something to be excited about when it shows up at my front door because the “testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” How did Joseph muster up such great control and strength?  He didn’t let his circumstances define, but instead it refined him. I want God do that within me as well. I want to build a greater character within my faith so that I’m not be crushed or compromised but forever increasing. When I am faced with mishaps or unfair situations, don’t let it shake me, but put my trust in God and let Him lead. Take it daily before God and let the circumstances of life be the classroom I need to learn in.