And, yes; a queen, as well. The same principles apply to us. Don't they, ladies?
(Genesis 47) tells us how, because of Joseph's integrity and wisdom, Pharaoh put his own livestock in the care of Joseph's family. They were all shepherds; and shepherds were an abomination to Egyptians. (Gen. 46:33-34)
The chapter continues with the famine becoming so severe, even in Egypt, that the Egyptians had to sell their lands to Pharaoh, and become his servants. Joseph, being a man of wisdom and integrity, gave them seed with which to plant crops, and made it a mandate that Pharaoh would receive 1/5th of their harvests, and they would keep the other 4/5th s. What?! Is there something wrong with this picture-according to 'worldly ways"? Isn't it always the poor guy that gets the shaft? Not with God, he doesn't. Whether it be 1/5th, or 1/10th, the king always takes the lesser amount and gives the greater amount to the ones serving him. Why would you starve your horse? He has to carry you. (Gen. 47:13-26)
When we think about this in terms of running businesses, and even running our homes, we can apply the same principles. We are, after all, put in charge of them in order to serve. Jesus said, "I've not come to be served, but to serve." (Matt. 20:28) When you think about it, don't parents give the greater part of their income to caring for their children? There's rent or mortgage, and utilities, for a home, there's food, there's clothing, medical care, and even school tuition, in more and more cases. All those sports and extracurricular interests cost money, too.
The principle is that when we do it right, it works right. When we take others' needs into consideration, and respect their lives, God blesses that. It's the principle based on sowing what we wish to reap, and reaping what we sow. Joseph had that kind of wisdom and integrity. He humbled himself actually, to serve the people. He didn't have to do that; he could have let them starve to death. That's why God exalted him.
Love you from Café du Mondieu
Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, January 6, 2023, 10:55 a.m.
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