Three Impacts of Promotion

Three Impacts of Promotion

Joseph’s promotion did not bring just personal benefit. He saw it as an opportunity to serve those around him. He resisted pride that would make him forget the shoulders on which he stood and the hands that held him up when it mattered most in life. He instead remembered the mentors who helped him, the parents that cared for him and God who favored him. Joseph’s father, Jacob, did a lot to shape Joseph’s faith and character. Time and trouble tested and proved the quality of his work. Joseph therefore intentionally made sure his promotion benefitted his family, his nation and his faith community.

Impact on His Family. He facilitated provision of food and shelter to his parents and siblings (Mark 7:10-12). In many cases, children abandon their parents when they become more learned and prosperous. They wait to honor them by expensive coffins and latest burial suits. In some cultures, they even bring expensive blankets on burial day when the parents languished barely covered in cold weather, and went without food when they were alive. Joseph shared his elevation with his family members. Joseph could have just sold his siblings grain or donated some to them but he empowered them. Few significantly remember their family members when promoted. They would rather be distinguished among their own as the privileged only ones who visit family gatherings driving. They enjoy seeing everyone else eat crumbs from their table.

Joseph even forgave his brothers for wanting to kill him and for selling him into the hands of strangers for dead (Genesis 45:1-7).  That way he facilitated family reconciliation. Jacob also had to forgive his sons for the same offence and for keeping the truth from him for so long. Nucleus and extended family relationships are breaking down for lack of a peacemaker. Many members are suspicious of one another and plot to pull each other down not realizing they also pull down themselves in the process. Whenever there is a rift in relationships, you can either build bridges or flare up the hostilities. Many families lack members who are willing to forgive past offences and recognize that God’s grace and plan for a person is not limited by what people do to the person. If anything, what people do against you is material in God’s hands to suffice his grace and perfect his plan for you.

Impact on His Nation. Joseph served his adopted nation so well that his promotion saved the nation from starvation during years of famine. Not only did he ensure food security but also he excelled so much that the nation became economically stronger than other nations. In other words, he used his promotion to promote his country. This was all because of the wisdom Joseph received from God and faithfully put to work in his career. He saw his position as governor as opportunity to influence on a wider scale. It was an elevated platform from which to shine for God (Mathew 5:14-16).  Where it is darkest, light is needed the most. Darkness is unrighteousness but also needs in the society.  Where it is darkest, light shines brightest. Where there is more darkness, light makes greater impact. Righteousness and solutions abound much more. Your work station, community position, sports exploits etc is a lamp stand, platform that puts you in public view. The question is how you use the advantage.

Joseph was rich in economic wisdom that he did not give handouts. Handouts would have resulted in wastage, dependency mindset and inflation. Instead, he sold the grain potentially stimulating economic activities from which people would earn money to buy the grain. Other nations also brought lots of much needed foreign currency by buying grain from Egypt. The issue of distribution criteria was made simple by following the ability to buy rule. It was not always easy for everyone to buy, in fact some point it appeared extremely harsh, but had national economic wisdom. Some even traded some of their assets to get grain. Joseph did also leave room for social benefit in the form of donations given in some cases, as he did to his brothers.

Impact on His Faith Community. Joseph played a significant part in the life of the Jewish faith and nation. He also happened to come from this nation. As in the case of Esther who received promotion and later was reminded by Mordecai that she was in her position as Queen for such a time as to preserve and strengthen God’s people. Joseph also maintained his faith in God and elevated people of like faith (Mathew 6:33). His faith gained so much credibility and respect that when his family came over they for many years had freedom to worship Jehovah in the land of Egypt. His promotion served the purpose of God to preserve a nation unto himself through which the messiah would come. He remembered the welfare of the people and business of God. Anything done that moved patriarch Jacob is major on God’s agenda. God instructed Jacob to go to Egypt facilitated by Joseph and promised to bring him back. The nation grew so strong that 400 years later six million Jews left Egypt.  Your promotion also is for the sake of God’s work, to give to the work of your church, to missions’ workers and those who instruct and preach in the faith (Mathew 28:18-20; Galatians 6:6; 1 Corinthians 9:14).

Evaluate your promotion based on how it has benefitted the kingdom of God, your family, and nation.

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa