Division Through Disrespect

Scripture: Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan. These are the family records of Jacob. At 17 years of age, Joseph tended sheep with his brothers. The young man was working with the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought a bad report about them to their father. Genesis 37:1-2

Observation: This is the first possible conflict mentioned between Joseph and his brothers, and it occurs before his conversations about dreams and even before his has is special robe. However, it is specific to a subset of the brothers ... the sons of the maids Bilhah and Zilpah, and not the sons of Leah nor Benjamin (his full brother from Rachel). This means this conflict applies only to four brothers: Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

After relating this issue of uncertain scope - a "bad report" but no details - nothing happens. The conflict immediate transitions into issues of jealousy and humility about Joseph's place of honor as his father's favorite and the dreams he has. If this brief issue is then about the four brothers, we learn nothing from it. However, if it is actually about Joseph, we may be instructed.

Joseph establishes himself as an outsider. He builds the walls between himself and his brothers. His dreams do this in an obvious way, and he is even scolded by his father for telling about the dreams. However, this incident also serves to initiate division. Since the matter is immediately dropped, the "bad report" doesn't seem to have involved any major issue. Instead, Joseph is just ... telling on them. He is initiating a conflict that will set in motion the future of Israel for the next ~250 years. And he is initiating this conflict seemingly without motive.

Application: Recently, I have been under siege from several areas here at work ... people seemingly taking action detrimental to me and/or my team. Just yesterday, I tried to consider if there was something I was doing to trigger this. This lesson about Joseph may emphasize that.

Am I doing something that is initiating conflict, and if so is it behavior I need to change? There is stress everywhere in the organization, and many are looking for how to protect themselves. Joseph's brothers felt this way when Joseph elevated himself while disrespecting them. So ... am I doing something to disrespect others? And if so, how does that impact may effectiveness both professionally and in doing God's will in this place?

Prayer: Lord, please forgive me for my pride. It is always the primary source of my struggles and sin, and I beg your forgiveness. May I evaluate others using your criteria, that they are people you love, and seek ways to interact with them that honor and respect them. In this way, may I advance your kingdom and your will first and foremost every day. Amen.