A Change in Attitude

ByPastor Wynn

Changing of Attitude Produces Changing of Altitude

Reading: Genesis 39-41

It is interesting to note the change in Joseph’s attitude during his hardship years. Prior to being sold into Egypt, Joseph had been the braggadocios brother (Gen. 37:5-11). His dreams had been from God, but he did not seem to have a Godly humility about him.

After his arrival in Egypt, he found himself at the mercy of an adulterous woman (Gen. 39:7-20). Although he stood firmly against her continued proposals, he was unjustly accused, convicted and imprisoned. The key to understanding the plight of Joseph is found in Genesis 39:21, “But the LORD was with Joseph. . . .” As we know, in retrospect, God had a greater plan for Joseph. However, the mistake we often make is in the assumption that it was simply a grooming time for Joseph. Although it was a time of preparing Joseph, we must recognize that the preparation included some correction. Joseph was not yet an able tool to be used by God. Thus, the circumstances in which God placed him, was a time of shaping Joseph as much as preparing Joseph.

At the beginning of chapter 40, we find Joseph being joined by two officers of Pharaoh’s court. They had offended their king, and he had them imprisoned. It was not a long time before both the baker and butler had a dream. When Joseph saw their confusion the next day, he assured them that dream interpreting belonged to God, so “tell me them.” Here, we find the usage of the word “me” in Joseph’s conversation. This may seem insignificant, but it is the beginning of a trend. After the butler’s dream was revealed to be a positive one, and the butler would be restored to his position in three days, Joseph makes a request. Verses 14-15 state that Joseph said, “think on me,” “unto me,” “make mention of me,” “bring me out,” “I was stolen away,” and “have I done nothing.” Notice that the emphasis is all on Joseph and his plight.

Thus, it seems to be no accident that the butler developed a loss of memory for two years. If Joseph had been able to focus on God, rather than on himself, he might have been released sooner. However, the additional two years seem to have had their impact on his self-pity. For when the butler does remember Joseph, things are different. Upon being summoned to interpret the dream of Pharaoh (Gen. 41:14-40), his attitude is different. He demonstrates a respectful and humble spirit by his shaving and making himself presentable to the Pharaoh. His answer is no longer “tell me,” but he now states, “It is not in me” (v.16). He assures Pharaoh that it is God that reveals the answer. We further see his new attitude in verse 33. For all Joseph knows, he will be sent back to the prison after this interview is over. Yet, he makes no appeal for release or promotion. Rather, he appeals that Pharaoh “look out a man discreet and wise.”

The end of that interview was the Pharaoh did what Joseph suggested and found that Joseph was such a man. When Joseph quit attempting to promote himself, God did the promoting (cf. Psa. 75:6-7). How many opportunities of greater work are forfeited because we are so self-focused that God cannot use us? We must remember that “before honour is humility” (Pro. 15:33), and we must humble ourselves before God can exalt us (I Pet. 5:6).

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