.jpg)
Articles
Stop Digging and Look Up
Joseph is a wonderful example of the impact the Lord can have in a person’s life. As Joseph went from peak to valley time and time again, he always maintained his faith in God. “The Lord was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2), because Joseph loved the Lord. When Potiphar’s wife made her advances, Joseph replied in Genesis 39:10, “How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” We see Joseph’s love for the Lord demonstrated in his decisions and steadfast character. He did not let negative circumstances influence him to make poor decisions. When misfortune came Joseph’s way and he found himself in another hole, he did not keep digging to make things worse. Rather, he always looked to God and maintained his integrity.
Satan provides us with many “shovels” to dig deeper holes for ourselves in life. Consider how some of the following “shovels” only make matters worse for us.
Pride - Thinking too highly of yourself is dangerous. Pride constantly prevents people from making good choices. It inhibits you from taking accountability for the messes you created in your life. Pride keeps people from apologizing. Perhaps the worst effect of pride is when it stops you from asking for help - especially help from God. This is why James 4:6 says “But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, ‘God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”
Dishonesty - “The truth will make you free” (John 8:32) is true in more ways than most people realize. The truth will often make you uncomfortable first, but it is always the best option. Dishonesty is a particularly effective shovel, as lies promote further lies. Sometimes dishonesty is the result of pride. Lies are told to boost our ego or deflect responsibility. Dishonesty tends to breed further dishonesty. More lies are needed to cover up for previous lies as the snowball grows larger and larger. The more dishonesty you practice, the more your heart grows numb to sin, and the farther you move away from God.
Laziness - “A stitch in time saves nine” may not come from the Scriptures, but the sentiment is certainly true. Neglecting issues today creates bigger problems for tomorrow. Neglected weeds simply grow and multiply. Laziness results from a variety of attitudes: entitlement, ingratitude, a victimhood mentality, and more. Regardless of the condition of the heart of a lazy person, laziness only compounds problems in life. Responsibility requires action.
Satan offers us plenty of shovels to dig our own grave; this is certainly not an exhaustive list. Other shovels may take the form of misguided thinking, bad advice, old habits, and many more. Joseph demonstrates that the best way out of a bad situation is to continue to look to God, trust Him for guidance, and live in a way that honors the Lord with your choices. Adversity is never an excuse to lose your integrity, and poor choices never improve your situation. When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging and look up.
