The Honest Policy

It is good in our relationships to be courteous and thoughtful of the feelings of others, to avoid unnecessary offense.  Where we must be careful as followers of Jesus is we do not become so diplomatic in our interactions with others we cease to honestly present the truth.  Speaking the truth does not mean full disclosure, but it is critical for us to examine our motives in real time and even after a conversation about what we said, why we said it, and when applicable why we held back.

After Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers in Egypt, he sent carts to bring his father and the rest of his family to Egypt to escape a great famine.  Joseph was a wise man who feared God, and he also wanted his family to be viewed positively by Pharaoh.  Having lived in Egypt for some time, Joseph knew Pharaoh and the Egyptians hated shepherds.  Guess what?  Israel and his sons were shepherds!  So Joseph, savvy politician he was, suggested spin:  it was true they kept sheep, but their main occupation was cattle.  He coached his family concerning what to say and why in Genesis 46:33-34:  "So it shall be, when Pharaoh calls you and says, 'What is your occupation?' ⁴ that you shall say, 'Your servants' occupation has been with livestock from our youth even till now, both we and also our fathers,' that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians."

Joseph told his father and brothers what to say, and then the great reveal came before Pharaoh.  Everything occurred predictably as Joseph had said, but his family was not as diplomatic as he coached them to be.  He selected five of them who presented well and brought them before Pharaoh.  This was their time to shine.  I crack up thinking about what was going through Joseph's head when I read Genesis 47:3:  "Then Pharaoh said to his brothers, "What is your occupation?" And they said to Pharaoh, "Your servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers."  Whoops.  The very thing Joseph hoped to sweep under the carpet was the main thing they said:  "We are shepherds, and our fathers were shepherds too."  If Joseph was anything like me, in that split second before Pharaoh he would have felt a twinge of embarrassment and frustration by their candour.

But here's the amazing thing:  though they didn't say the words Joseph told them to say, God gave these men viewed by the Egyptian culture are abominable great favour and the best of the land.  Pharaoh said to Joseph in Genesis 47:6, "The land of Egypt is before you. Have your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land; let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know any competent men among them, then make them chief herdsmen over my livestock."  Not only were they provided a place to stay, but they were given roles as chief herdsmen over Pharaoh's livestock!  Joseph coached his brothers to avoid personal embarrassment, but God brought them into favour with Pharaoh though they were honest and straightforward.

Israel and his sons were shepherds, and they weren't afraid to admit it publicly before the powerful sovereign Pharaoh.  As followers of Jesus Christ, we should be blunt in our allegiance and love of Jesus our Good Shepherd.  To be called a "sheep" is an abominable insult, but we are the sheep of God's pasture without shame.  We may think it necessary to hide this little detail when we have a job interview, or introduce ourselves to a stranger, or in casual conversation.  We imagine this might be a deal breaker--and in the case of Joseph's family there was the risk they would be sent home and the shelter and provision of Egypt could have been withdrawn.  Yet potential offense did not stop the five sons of Israel to boldly speak the truth about their occupation.

As children of God, let us be occupied with His business.  Being forthright and honest about our relationship with God should be our enduring policy.  Our devotion to Jesus Christ might be abominable to many, but we have found favour with God through relationship with Him.  Offenses will occur, but let it never be our intent.  Better to speak the truth and live accordingly before God than to hide behind a persona contrived to please men.