Good intentions
It’s easy to assume that as long as our hearts are in the right place, we’re on the right path. Joseph’s brothers had already made up their minds about him. They saw him coming from a distance and immediately devised a plan to get rid of him.
“But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. ‘Here comes that dreamer!’ they said to each other. ‘Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.’” Genesis 37:18-20 (NIV)
Their decision was firm. Jealousy had taken root, and their resentment turned into action. But in the midst of this scheme, Reuben—the oldest, the one with the responsibility to lead—spoke up.
“When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. ‘Let’s not take his life,’ he said.” Genesis 37:21 (NIV)
Reuben had a good intention. He wanted to intervene, to stop the worst from happening.
“When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes.” Genesis 37:29 (NIV)
Reuben had a chance to change the course of events, but his hesitation cost him his influence. His indecision allowed deception, division, and destruction to take root—not only in his own life but in the generations that followed.
Joseph’s brothers let jealousy lead them into deception. They devised a scheme, made a cover-up, and lived a lie for years. The result? Broken relationships, deep regret, and generational wounds. Scripture shows us that this pattern isn’t unique to Joseph’s brothers.
The enemy thrives on stirring up division.
Sometimes, it happens on a large scale, like nations at war:
“Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain?” Psalm 2:1 (NIV)
Other times, it’s personal—within families, friendships, workplaces, even churches:
“Who plots evil with deceit in his heart—he always stirs up conflict.” Proverbs 6:14 (NIV)
“Whoever plots evil will be known as a schemer.” Proverbs 24:8 (NIV)
“Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil, but those who promote peace have joy.” Proverbs 12:20 (NIV)
We may not physically throw someone into a pit, but how often do we allow comparison and resentment to creep into our hearts?
Is there someone in your life whose words or actions feel like a threat?
Do you ever feel resentment, jealousy, or bitterness toward their success?
Do you find yourself comparing, feeling overlooked, or unappreciated?
Maybe it’s a sibling, spouse, friend, coworker, or someone in ministry. Maybe their confidence unsettles you, their success stings, or their influence makes you feel small.
Be honest. Name it. Write it down. Pray. Release it.
This is a pivotal moment for honest reflection—the choices you make here will shape the direction of your future.
They may be wrong—but you can still be right with God.
