Another school year is upon us and many of last spring’s high school graduates continue their experiences in education. Whether in college, trade school or the military, teenagers leave home to face their first steps of adulthood. Satan’s snares are set along the path as they take those steps. So it is my prayer for these children that they all be like Joseph. Joseph, at age seventeen, found himself far from home. Yet, with a few good choices, he served the Lord and accomplished God’s Will.
First, Joseph had godly dreams. Joseph literally had dreams inspired by God. More pointedly, Joseph had godly expectations and goals for his life. Teenagers are encouraged to have goals to direct their education, careers and even retirement! Christians must emphasize goals of righteousness. Paul reminded us that regardless of his riches or poverty, he had contentment (Philippians 4:11ff). Paul also encourages us to always abound in our good works (1 Corinthians 15:58) while pressing forward to our goal of heaven (Philippians 3:14).
Second, Joseph honored his father. By the time Joseph was a child, Jacob’s fickle faith had been strengthened. Jacob was a good example of a living faith for Joseph, and Joseph understood the value of following such an example. Long before Isaiah answered the Lord, Joseph said to his father, “Here am I” (Genesis 37:13). One of the great relationships in Scripture is the parent and child relationship. Throughout the Bible this message is clear: Parents, train your children in the nurture and teachings of the Lord, and children, honor your parents in the Lord because this is right and it will help you in the future (Ephesians 6:1-4).
Third, Joseph recognized God’s blessings. Joseph could have been bitter in his life. Instead, he chose to focus on his blessings. I attended a college commencement where a professor prayed that the graduates would suffer adversity so they would have opportunity to increase their faith. Joseph had more adversity than he deserved, yet he focused on the blessings of his life and increased his faith. This faith is seen in Joseph as he (in his fifties) said to his brothers, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Joseph could not have been such a success if he did not actively seek God in his youth (cf. Ecclesiastes 12).
As young people begin making life-shaping choices, I pray they make those choices with godly goals and dreams as their guide. I pray their fathers and mothers have trained them to serve the Lord and they have seen the promise of honoring their parents. I pray that they recognize God’s blessings in a difficult life. I pray that they achieve God’s Will and always serve the Lord. I pray that they all be like Joseph.
