Our Abundance Can Be a Help to Others

Note from today’s Bible reading: Genesis 40-43

After warning Pharaoh of the seven years of famine that would follow seven years of plenty (Genesis 41:25-32), Joseph advised him to store the grain produced during the good years in order to have a reserve during the famine (Genesis 41:33-36). Pharaoh then appointed Joseph over the land of Egypt to oversee this task.

Joseph did what he advised Pharaoh to do. During the seven years of plenty, he “stored up grain in great abundance like the sand of the sea, until he stopped measuring it, for it was beyond measure” (Genesis 41:49).

Notice what happened when the famine came: “Then Joseph opened the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians… The people of all the earth came to Egypt to buy grain from Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the earth” (Genesis 41:56-57). Not only was Joseph able to help the Egyptians, but he was also able to use the abundance to help those from other places as well.

Some people believe it is wrong to have an overabundance of material things. While we could certainly have a wrong attitude, material things are not sinful in themselves. Instead, we can use them for good. Paul told the brethren in Corinth that their “abundance” could be “a supply” for their brethren in need (2 Corinthians 8:14).

So remember that our abundance can be a help to others. When we can increase wealth, that could put us in a position to better assist those around us who need it. But this requires a willingness to save and not spend everything on ourselves so that we can share with others.