My devotional this morning was really good, so I wanted to expound on some of it with you. (The lessons come from the story of Joseph, specifically Genesis 39:1-6. )
The first great point is that God was the secret to Joseph's success, not luck. It also says that Joseph found favor with Potiphar- he didn't ask favors. This just made me think of times when I ask for blessings at work when I should be more concentrated on going the second mile for others instead.
It goes on to discuss the temptations that come with prosperity. For the record, Chris and I are not exactly "ballin' outta control", but we do have enough to pay our bills, get a few extras now and then, and give some away. We are blessed with amazing families and incredible jobs. We have some of the best friends in the world. I would consider that pretty prosperous. The temptations that come with prosperity are far greater (and far more subtle) than those that accompany adversity. No longer are we worried about just having faith that God will come through- now we are faced with greed, deceit, and all those ugly sins that creep up on us when things get "peachy".
Thomas Carlyle wrote,"Adversity is sometimes hard upon a man, but for one man who can stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity". In other words, for every 100 people who face adversity and get through it, there is only one who is prosperous and maintains righteousness. That's rough!
What are your thoughts?
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3 comments:
Meg-
I love the "ballin out of control" line. Classic.
Much love,
Courtney Dumas
Hey, you may want to consider joining the book club since you read so much AND so much of the same stuff! We are having a Let's Eat time this Sunday, everyone is bringing a dish, let me know if you want more details.
Yea, our adoption story is SUCH a miracle of God. Any time you want to hear it just let me know.
Here are some great quotes on wealth that I love..
“There is no such thing as Success.…That a thing is successful merely means that it is; a millionaire is successful in being a millionaire and a donkey in being a donkey.”
—G.K. Chesterton
“Nothing that is God’s is obtainable by money”
—Tertullian
“Earthly goods are given to be used, not to be collected…. Hoarding is idolatry.”
—Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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