Good and Bad
We feel like we spend our whole day congratulating good behaviour or setting consequences for bad behaviour.
Reference: “and Israel said to Joseph, “As you know, your brothers are grazing the flocks near Shechem. Come, I am going to send you to them.” “Very well,” he replied.” Genesis 37:13 NIV
Explore: From an early age we are taught to be obedient. Before one of our boys has even turned two years of age we are already teaching him right and wrong, yes and no.
We are relieved and proud when he corrects his behaviour, but when the boys make poor choices we get frustrated and disappointed. Especially when they already know what is right and wrong.
We feel like we spend our whole day congratulating good behaviour or setting consequences for bad behaviour.
Application: I always strived to do what was right as a child, but as an adult I have had to learn that good behaviour is not always rewarded straight away. There are times it’s not rewarded at all; it’s just a display of our character.
No matter how good I have been, challenges and struggles still come my way. This is where our hope in God comes into play, as we trust that He can bring all things together for His good.
Joseph is a great example of someone who does good but doesn’t always get the reward. He obeyed his father, and his brothers sold him as a slave.
He worked hard for Potiphar, and his wife got him thrown into prison. He worked hard for Pharaoh and he still had to grieve for the loss of his family.
If you know the end of the story – I won’t spoil it for you – then you know there is hope. But there were times when Joseph could have felt quite justified in giving up on his good choices and great character as they only seemed to lead to more pain.
However, Joseph stayed the course. He didn’t allow his situations to determine his character and purpose. He lived for a higher calling, greater than the reward this world could give him.
I wish I could say that’s the reward I always yearn for, but there are times when I look to earthly rewards instead. May I fix my eyes on Jesus and know I’m seeking His applause alone.
Prayer: Lord, when we go through tough times it is challenging not to doubt Your love for us. May we stay the course and hold firm to Your love. Amen.
How easily are you making good choices?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.