Recently, I came across a short but powerful video of a woman who accounted for human suffering. The woman, possibly an Indian, said there is no element in the universe that is designed to function for profit. According to her, the birds do not sing for profit. They sing regardless of whether there is an audience or not. The flowers give their fragrance without looking for anything in return. The sun also gives value – light, heat, and so on – without seeking anything in return. Simply put, the universe is not designed for selfishness. She went on to say that it is only human beings who selfishly look for profits. She added that whenever selfishness is the motive, people will suffer
from stress, depression, and all manner of illnesses.

“When we do this, God who is faithful will reward us in due time.”

It cannot be more apt than this. Selfishness is an attitude that has ruined many. It makes people edgy and intolerant of others. Those who are caught in its web are sad when any favour trickles down to someone else. It is totally destructive. Joseph demonstrated the value of selflessness. Pharaoh was perturbed by his twin-dreams which none of his wise men could interpret. When Joseph was called, he gave the
correct interpretation of the dream. He also counselled the king to appoint a wise man to coordinate the storage of grains in readiness for the years of scarcity. He did not present himself as the man to handle the task. Apparently, Joseph would not have bordered if the task was given to another person. He would have been satisfied that his effort saved a whole nation from destruction. God’s word teaches us to promote the welfare of others. When we do this, God who is faithful will reward us in due time.