Joseph’s father Jacob had integrity. Joseph’s brother’s left Egypt to return home. When they arrived they found money in the grain bag. It was the money they used to pay for the grain. However, they could not prove that they paid for it. Several months later, the brothers had to return to Egypt for more food. Jacob instructed the brothers to take the extra money so they could pay for the previous purchase along with the new item to buy. Jacob did not try to get away with anything. He held true to his integrity. He paid for the previous food whether he had to or not. He did what was right. He protected his reputation by offering to pay more money for the grain.
Jacob and His sons didn’t understand how their money got back into their grain bags, but they knew that it wasn’t good. This is why Jacob was willing to pay more for the grain. He was guarding his reputation and his sons. Our reputation for honesty is worth far more than the money we might save by compromising it.
As Christians, we need to guard our reputations. We do this by always doing what is right, even if it doesn’t seem fair. Even if we don’t understand what is going on, we do what is right and honest to others.
Do you struggle with having to do more when you have done nothing wrong?
Do you guard your integrity?
Do you find this example hard?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all that you do for us. I pray that we will always seek your ways first. Help us to live a life of integrity, even when it is hard and unfair. Help us to know we are doing right by you.
In Jesus Name
Amen
