Sticky Fingers

“And Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it.  I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream, you can interpret it.’  Joseph answered Pharaoh, ‘It is not in me.  God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.’”  Genesis 41:15-16 

It feels good to be recognized, doesn’t it? We all crave affirmation, appreciation, and even praise. Some of us are even driven by it. Is this a bad thing? Not always, but it can be.

As Christians, our purpose in this life is to exalt and glorify the name of Jesus Christ. Our lives have been ransomed from sin and death by His precious blood that was shed on the cross. It’s no longer about you. It’s no longer about me. We belong to Him. We live for Him. Salvation is not merely a ticket to heaven. It is a new life on earth…a life lived selflessly and solely for His purpose and glory.

After being forgotten and unfairly imprisoned for more than two years, Joseph finally got his chance. And what a chance it was! His audience was one of the most powerful men on the planet – the Pharaoh of Egypt. He had heard about Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams, and Pharaoh needed his help. It was the perfect opportunity to clear his name…to right the wrongs done to him…to defend his own reputation and honor.

But Joseph didn’t at all seem concerned with himself, did he? He pointed Pharaoh’s attention away from himself and to His God. Egyptians did not worship God. They did not believe in Joseph’s God. It was a huge risk to say it was not him, but God who could interpret the dream. But it was a risk that Joseph was willing to take. Even after all he had been through, Joseph trusted God. He understood his purpose and trusted God’s plan.

When others exalt you, do you humble yourself in order to glorify Christ? Or, do you have sticky fingers with God’s glory? It is so easy to try and keep a little bit of glory for ourselves by taking credit for that which only He could have done through us. You’ve heard it said, “Give credit where credit is due.” God deserves the glory for anything good in His children. And like Joseph we must choose, despite the risk, to magnify His Name instead of our own.

Father, my desire is that You would receive glory and honor through my life. Please help me to always point others to You, and not to me. In Jesus’ name, amen.