How to Live and Not Die!
Today’s Verse:
Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another? And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die. ~Genesis 42:1-2
Our devotion this morning takes us to the initial years of a famine in Egypt and the surrounding areas. A famine is when there is a scarcity of food. Famines result in hunger, loss of jobs, large-scale unemployment, shortages, and eventually death. The famine in our scripture affected Jacob and his family. Jacob discovered there was food they could buy in Egypt. He looked at his sons and told them to go down to Egypt and buy food. However, our thought this morning is not so much about the famine as it is about Joseph’s sons. They were complacent. He asked them, “Why do ye look one upon another?” He was addressing their complacency. Let us see how Jacob gives us instruction on what to do when we are affected by complacency.
We see the affliction of complacency.
Complacency is when we are indifferent and unmoved about our lives and situations. When we are complacent, we are lacking initiative and motivation about doing anything. Where there is complacency, there is non-productivity. Where there is complacency, there is satisfaction with less than is best. Where there is complacency, we would rather someone else deal with the problem, and not ourselves. When there is complacency, things fall apart, weeds and nettles overgrow a property, and eventually things die.
We see the aftermath of complacency.
Jacob asked his sons, “Why do ye look one upon another?” Complacency leads to a status-quo mentality or worse, a “let it die” mentality. A marriage that has complacency will be a failed marriage. A church that is complacent will be a dead church. A Christian who is complacent will shrivel up and be absent of the blessings of God. Where there is complacency, there is little to no praying. Where there is complacency, the vision for a ministry accomplishes nothing.
We see the attitude towards complacency.
We are encouraged to avoid a complacent spirit. We must be vigilant, and guard our attitude and spirit from becoming complacent. Guard your spirit after every victory and major accomplishment. Be cautious to not have close associations with people who have a complacent spirit. We should be always zealous of good works. We should say like Jesus, “I must needs go,” and have a work plan that keeps us busy.
We see the action towards complacency.
“And he said, Behold, I have heard that there is corn in Egypt: get you down thither, and buy for us from thence; that we may live, and not die.” Jacob gave his sons an action plan out of complacency. First, look for where there is an opportunity to do something for God. Second, invest heavily into what you do. In fact, be someone who is willing to sacrifice. Third, whatever it is you do, be sure it is something that drives you to make a difference. Be active, involved, serving, and thinking ahead. When we do this, we live and don’t die.
There might be a famine, but look beyond your circumstances and you will find bread. Don’t let complacency set you back. Stay active, and live!
Have an energized God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: John 5-6