Lay Down Your Rights

“Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the bodyguard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there. The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian. Now his master saw that the LORD was with him and how the LORD caused all that he did to prosper in his hand. So Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal servant; and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he owned he put in his charge. It came about that from the time he made him overseer in his house and over all that he owned, the LORD blessed the Egyptian's house on account of Joseph; thus the LORD'S blessing was upon all that he owned, in the house and in the field. So he left everything he owned in Joseph's charge; and with him there he did not concern himself with anything except the food which he ate. Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance.” Genesis 39:1-6

Perhaps you are involved in a work situation where your employer is overbearing. Perhaps you are in a marriage where your mate is demanding and dominating. Perhaps you are in a school where your teacher abuses his or her authority. In each instance there is a principle involved in servanthood that can liberate you from bitterness, resentment, and frustration: When you adopt a servant spirit, you are on the royal road to victory.

Joseph, the son of the wealthy patriarch Jacob, found himself a slave in an Egyptian household. It could have been an opportunity for a nonstop pity party, but - “The LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man” (Gen. 39:2). Despite his noble heritage, Joseph demonstrated a servant spirit - both in Potiphar’s household and in jail. He focused on serving others rather than demanding his rights.

When you lay down your rights and feelings and truly set your mind on serving those around you - regardless of their actions - God is free to work mightily on your behalf. You are freed from your desire for control. As you humble yourself and concentrate on another’s welfare, the Lord will certainly exalt and honor you in due season.

“Therefore humble yourselves...that He may exalt you at the proper time.” 1 Peter 5:6