THE HONOR OF A GIFT
Genesis 41:14-16
"Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph and they brought him quickly of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothes, and came to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.' So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, 'It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.' "
Joseph had a reputation as a dream-interpreter, but he did not take the credit for himself. Instead, he deflected the glory to God. How easy it is to assume the honor for a ministry gift that God has bestowed, when the honor and glory really belong to God. The church at Corinth had been given many spiritual gifts that excelled other churches, but they became proud of their spirituality. Paul wrote to remind them, "Who makes you differ from another? [Why do you think you are better than anyone else?] And what do you have that you did not receive [was given to you]? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" It is one thing to humbly acknowledge God's blessings in my life. It is quite another thing to think it is because I am so good, and to take the honor and glory for myself. Joseph gave the glory to God, and was able to give an answer of peace (shalom) to Pharaoh from God.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: All the glory and honor for any spiritual gift or ministry belong to God alone.
[end]
Have a God-honoring day. Love you.
Genesis 41:14-16
"Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph and they brought him quickly of the dungeon; and he shaved, changed his clothes, and came to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, 'I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. But I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream, to interpret it.' So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, 'It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.' "
Joseph had a reputation as a dream-interpreter, but he did not take the credit for himself. Instead, he deflected the glory to God. How easy it is to assume the honor for a ministry gift that God has bestowed, when the honor and glory really belong to God. The church at Corinth had been given many spiritual gifts that excelled other churches, but they became proud of their spirituality. Paul wrote to remind them, "Who makes you differ from another? [Why do you think you are better than anyone else?] And what do you have that you did not receive [was given to you]? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?" It is one thing to humbly acknowledge God's blessings in my life. It is quite another thing to think it is because I am so good, and to take the honor and glory for myself. Joseph gave the glory to God, and was able to give an answer of peace (shalom) to Pharaoh from God.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: All the glory and honor for any spiritual gift or ministry belong to God alone.
[end]
Have a God-honoring day. Love you.
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