Silent Thevery

Genesis 41:16 NIV

"I cannot do it," Joseph replied to Pharaoh, "but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires."

Joseph was very quick to give credit to God, even before he heard Pharaoh's dreams, even before he spoke the interpretation of those dreams. Joseph knew where the interpretation came from. He knew he had no power of his own. Even though his ability to interpret dreams was akin to what some call psychic power today, Joseph knew that the power was not within himself; it came directly from God.

Joseph could easily have kept his mouth shut. He could easily have avoided saying anything about God. After all, Pharaoh might think he was some kind of fanatic - a member of the Religious Right. No need to stick his neck out any further than he had to. No need to say anything that might keep him in jail even longer.

But Joseph knew where his power came from. He also knew that when a person keeps silent about God, he becomes a thief. He's stealing God's glory and claiming it for himself. So Joseph spoke up and gave credit to God for everything that he did.

Do you keep silent about God's power in your life? Do you take the credit when you know God should have it? Do you revel in the glory that should go to God? Are you a silent thief? Think about it.

Used with Permission