Above Reproach

That means living in such a way that others can not fault our Godly ways so that we can be an example to others.

Genesis 43:1-34

Reference:  v.12  “Take double the amount of silver with you, for you must return the silver that was put back into the mouths of your sacks.  Perhaps it was a mistake.  (NIV Bible)

Explore:  It takes a great deal of planning, diligence and self-control to be ‘above reproach’.  Jesus lived his live above rebuke or blame.  Even during His trial they were unable to confirm the slander they brought against Him.  In this way, God calls us to live above reproach too.  That means living in such a way that others can not fault our Godly ways so that we can be an example to others.  While this is easy to type on a keyboard it is certainly much more challenging to live out in our lives.  As someone who preaches I constantly find the pressure of living above reproach.  If I am encouraging a congregation to love their neighbour but then don’t even bother getting to know mine, I am not above reproach.

Application:  When Jacob was sending his sons back to buy more grain from Egypt he sent back the first lot of silver that had been secretly returned with the sacks of grain.  Sure, his son’s life was in jeapordary and so Jacob wanted to be above reproach.  If the silver had been returned by mistake then they had it there to give back so no one could question their loyalty.  Now, Jacob was not perfect and his sons certainly were not perfect, but he still strived to live above reproach.  We are not perfect either and we will no doubt slip up on many occasions, but that does not mean that we do not strive to live, as best we can, above reproach.

Prayer:  Lord, may we be a positive example of how to follow Your ways to the best of our ability.  Amen.

What area of your life to you find needs to be brought above reproach?  How can you start to take steps towards making that happen?

Genesis