Nakedly honest, brutally frank, but motivated by Pride!

According to developmental psychologists, a 17-year-old boy may either be a little more realistic about his future, or he might still be undecided about what he wants to do and be. He is also likely to be more independent than ever. He might come across as challenging and conceited, while his growing independence may mean he is better able to resist peer pressure despite wanting to spend more time with his friends than with his family.

Does this describe you at age 17? I remember at that age, all I wanted to do was, travel to the United States to further my studies – and my choice of academic discipline was Business Administration. My long-term goal was to be rich and known globally as a Philanthropist.

I was born a Muslim, and for 29 years, I practised the religion not out of personal conviction, but because I was born into it - a family tradition. Devout Muslims with whom I interacted, especially in my university years, between 1983 and 1988, would instantly show their reverence for the name Yūsuf (Arabic) upon knowing I bore it. This is not a surprise because Joseph (Yūsuf in Arabic; Yosef in Hebrew, which means ‘increase’) is regarded by Muslims as a prophet, while an entire chapter (Yusuf - sura xii.) is devoted to him in the Qur'an. Interestingly, this is the only instance in the book where a whole chapter is dedicated to a holistic story of a prophet.

Joseph’s story can be found in the book of Genesis 37-50. Very much loved by Jacob his father (because he had been born to him in his old age), Joseph was an overconfident 17-year-old. Like everyone else, Joseph had faults, e.g. why would he do the following and expect his (half) brothers to love him in return:

1. Bring his father bad reports about them, from tending the flocks? - Gen. 37: 2

2. Tell them about a dream he had, suggesting that he reigned over them? - Gen. 37: 5 - 7

3. Tell them yet about another dream he had that was symbolic of his brothers and parents bowing down to him? – Gen. 37: 9

In verse 4 of Genesis 37, we learn that Joseph’s brothers hated him and always spoke harshly to him. Also, in verse 8 the brothers “…hated him all the more…” because of the first dream “…and what he had said.” So, why would Joseph tell his brothers about the second dream, knowing full well that this would annoy them more? As a matter of fact, we learn from verse 10 that his father “…rebuked him…”

I see a young fellow basking in the love and protection of his father Jacob, a very wealthy man. I see an overconfident and conceited Joseph or else, what point was he trying to make by telling his dreams to those whom he knew hated him?

How does God see pride, conceit, arrogance, etc.? It might be useful to look at: Proverbs 16:18; 1 Samuel 2:3; Romans 12:3; Proverbs 8:13; Luke 18:9-14; Philippians 2:3; Romans 12:16; Proverbs 16:5.

Let us consider Proverbs 16:5 “The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”

Now let us explore God’s views of the sins of Joseph’s brothers:

Hate: Proverbs 10:12 Unkindness/Harshness: Proverbs 15:1 Jealousy: Job 5:2; Proverbs 27:4; James 3:14-16; 1 Corinthians 3:3.

Let us consider Proverbs 10:12 “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” So, it is very possible that the hatred that Joseph's brothers had for him was a source of motivation (rooted in pride from his father's special favours) for his relentless affront to their dignity.

Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Perhaps if Joseph's brothers were not harsh to him, he would have exercised restraint. The truth is, while God had a huge plan, in which Joseph and his family were to play a part, He would not condone Sin.

While Joseph did not go unpunished (Proverbs 16:5), his brothers experienced severe famines (Gen 42 – 43). At age 30 Joseph was the governor of Egypt, answerable only to Pharaoh (Gen 41:46). But before then, he had altogether spent 13 years in Potiphar's house and prison.

It is eye-opening that Joseph had been sold approximately five times thus: 1. First by his brothers to the Ishmaelites 2. Then by the Ishmaelites to the Midianite traders 3. The Midianite traders to the Medanites 4. The Medanites to the Egyptians 5. The Egyptians to Potiphar (Source: Bereshith Rabbah, i.e. The Great Genesis - Genesis Rabbah 84:22).

Application

How do you react to difficulty and misfortune? How many times have you been 'sold' by your adversaries? How many times have you fallen? Joseph is not a vindictive person. For example, when his brothers realised who he was, they were certain that he would use his official powers to exact revenge on them for selling him into slavery. It is amazing how Joseph did not even feel any anger. Why would he, when he was able to acknowledge the fulfilment of his dreams? And this brings me to the attitude of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in Luke 23: 34 (The Crucifixion). Has your boss been mean to you despite all your hard work and dedication? Are lies being told against you and fables made up about you in the workplace? And is your boss buying into all of these? Have you lost a job in the recent past because of concocted lies ‘meticulously' compiled against you? Are you being subjected to acts of slander, envy, jealousy, untruth, discouraging, insensitive and harsh comments, etc.? Please do not resort to victimhood but continue to trust in God (Jeremiah 17:7).

From Joseph’s experience, what lessons can be learned? 1. If there is pride in your life, and God has been opposing you (James 4:6), it is time to submit yourself to Him and learn humility (James 4:10; Proverbs 15:33) 2. Serve rather than be served (Mark 10:45) 3. Be self-controlled (1Cor 6: 18; Romans 12:1) 4. Be comforting to your enemies (Romans 12:20) 5. Lead others to Christ by your lifestyle (Matthew 5:16) 6. Be patient (Proverbs 16:32) 7. Jealousy is not worth it (James 3:14-16) 8. Be evangelistic (Matthew 28:18-20) 9. Be forgiving (Matthew 6:14) 10. Be joyful in suffering and affliction (James 1:2)

What should you expect?

From Joseph’s story, his flaws impacted his life. However, the lessons he learned enabled conditions for his success to be created. No one is flawless. However, we must learn to see opportunities in the obstacles that are in our way. Are you surprised therefore that Joseph ruled Egypt for eighty years, until his death at the age of 110?

Stop playing victimhood and try see the good in whatever you may be going through right now – loss of job, problems at work, wayward children, health (physical and mental) challenges, threat of homelessness, addiction, fear of COVID-19, broken marriages, persecution at work, academic failure, etc.

In all of these and many more, “…God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

What if your outcome differs from Joseph’s? For example, Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, etc. having gained approval through their faith, never received what was promised, “…because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11: 39-40).

Conclusion

Decades after I clocked 17, I now find myself in the seventh of eight stages of Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development namely, Generativity vs. Stagnation. This is middle adulthood (ages 40 to 65 yrs.) when I should experience a need to create or nurture things that will outlast me, e.g. creating this Christian blog to benefit the world. Through generativity Joseph developed a sense of being a part of the bigger picture, and refusing to play victimhood (Gen 45). Joseph’s success led to his feelings of usefulness, accomplishment and positive involvement in the world (Gen 50).

Whatever you are going through, find a way to contribute to society, e.g. volunteer to serve those who are deemed very vulnerable and self-isolating from COVID-19 at this time. Be spiritually productive by utilizing this COVID-19 lockdown to study the Bible with your non-believing family and friends via Zoom, WhatsApp, Skype, Microsoft Team, etc. We can easily be disconnected from God through apathy and complacency towards his word, people, our community and society at large.

May we use this opportunity to reflect on Christ’s death on the cross, and show gratitude by obeying his commands. Do have a productive Good Friday Holiday today!