How can we attain a good reputation? If we were to ask Joseph that question,
no doubt he would tell us that a good reputation comes from obeying God's
Word. Of course, this may not be the easiest or most glamorous way to
earn an excellent name, but it is the most reliable, for it is God's way
of going about it! You see ladies; it's not just what you know, but what
you do that really counts. Therefore, a good reputation comes from consistent
living. The people who watch you at work, in town, at home and in church
form your reputation. A good reputation comes by consistently living out
godly qualities - regardless of what group of people or surroundings in
which you find yourself. Yes, even in a dungeon - that less than desirable
location from where Joseph's godly reputation traveled. As a matter of
fact, it reached all the way to the beautiful palace and into Pharaoh's
ears, as we'll see in our reading today of Genesis chapter 41, verses
15 & 16…
And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I have dreamed a dream, and there is none
that can interpret it: and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand
a dream to interpret it. And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not
in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.
"I have heard say of thee...." What have people heard say of you, dear
lady? What reputation is being formed of you as people watch you in your
work, your town, your home, and your church? Many folks worry about what
others think of them but if we would all care most what GOD thinks of
us, then we would obey God's Word as we should! True servants of the Lord
understand that before promotion, there must first be a pleasing testimony…
Hebrews 11:5
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not
found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had
this testimony, that he pleased God.
One cannot please God without walking in the light of truth and righteousness.
Faith has always been the indication of God's servants, from the beginning
of the world. Our faith pleases the Lord and gets His attention in our
lives! Joseph had great faith in God and therefore gained the interest
of God and man. He knew that without the Lord, he was nothing! As a matter
of fact, when Pharaoh addressed Joseph's aptitude for interpreting dreams,
Joseph's response was, "It is not in me". Without hesitation he told Pharaoh
that his abilities were not of himself, but of God. Ladies, the wisdom
of God is not of human origin - such insight is spiritual in nature! Joseph
wisely refused to take credit himself and steal glory away from God. Are
you careful to do the same? Modest servants that distrust self and long
to be taught by and to follow the Lord, will God favor with His presence.
The Lord is selective when it comes to intimate fellowship with man! He
doesn't share confidential information with just any believer. The Lord
will guide the humble by His Spirit and the written Word and use their
meek spirits in a mighty way! Yes, Divine insight lies with the lowly
in heart…
Psalm 25:14
The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them
his covenant.
Proverbs 3:32
For the froward is abomination to the Lord: but his secret is with the
righteous.
When another person trusts you above all others with their innermost secrets,
it makes you feel pretty special, amen? Imagine the God of this universe
sharing His secret things with you - what an unbelievable honor!! That's
the kind of a relationship Joseph enjoyed with the Lord. All other human
relationships paled in comparison to the fellowship this young man enjoyed
with God. Joseph could have easily used his conference with Pharaoh to
achieve personal status before a powerful man by boasting of his skill
in understanding dreams. Nevertheless, dependency upon God always drove
Joseph to put status in man's eyes aside and trade it in for service to
his Lord. He wouldn't be deceived by the favor of man but chose instead
to please God. Is it status you are seeking today, or service?
Proverbs 31:30
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the
Lord, she shall be praised.
What response do you typically offer when someone approaches you with
admiration concerning your abilities? "I have heard it said of thee..."
Is there any person or persons you have been determined to impress? If
so, you probably have a very shallow relationship with the Lord… Yes,
Joseph could have raised his social status in Pharaoh's eyes, but he didn't.
He left such matters with his God. Rather than aiming for prestige, a
Christian should look for a place where he or she can humbly serve with
their God-given abilities! If and when God wants you to serve on a wider
scale, HE will invite you to take a higher place - it is not a position
for you to assume yourself!
Luke 14:7-11
And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked
how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, [8] When thou art
bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest
a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; [9] And he that bade
thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin
with shame to take the lowest room. [10] But when thou art bidden, go
and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he
may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship
in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. [11] For whosoever
exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be
exalted.
The mark of humility is to think of others more highly, not to presume
you are deserving of greater position. Higher seating is determined by
God's judgment of your reputation, not your judgment! Are you making arrogant
choices for yourself or humble ones? Ladies, if your focus is strictly
one of being a humble, obedient servant of the Lord, then like Joseph,
God will reveal His secrets unto you. There is a deeper relationship available
with the Lord that most Christians do not enjoy and have never tasted
of though they may have been saved for years!! How sad… There's so much
more prepared for us that God's people are missing out on!
1 Cor. 2:9
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered
into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that
love him.
Joseph's testimony has challenged me once again to want to experience
a closer walk with the Lord. How about you, ladies?? I want my eyes to
see what they haven't seen yet; I want my ears to hear what they've never
heard before; I want my heart to be filled with the things of God which
have never yet entered in!! There are so many spiritual blessings that
our Lord has prepared for His children. All we have to do is forsake our
own craving for whatever status this world could offer - that shallow,
carnal life - and fall in love with the Lord, yielding to the Spirit of
God continually and fully obeying His commandments. Let's publicize the
secret to a good reputation!
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2000 Pamela A. Iannello
Revised 2003