Josey Butcher serves as the Director of Communications and Evangelism at Clarkesville First UMC. She is married to Brian Butcher, who also serves on staff as CFUMC’s Youth and Children’s Director. They live in Clarkesville, GA.
Did you know that you have the ability to change the climate? That’s right, you are a climate-changer. I’m not talking about the weather, though; I am talking about our attitudes. Recently in youth group, we have been learning about climates. What kind of a climate do I create when I walk into a room? Am I someone who carries joy and love? Or am I someone known for negativity, complaining, and a frustrated attitude? I believe that God gave us the ability to choose which of these people we want to be, but in order to choose the first one, our hearts and our minds must be focused on God.
To illustrate this point, we looked at the story of Joseph from Genesis. Joseph’s story is one full of disappointment. Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers as well as, wrongfully accused by Potiphar’s wife and placed in prison. Joseph would have every reason to be mad at God mad at his circumstances, and of course, mad at his brothers, the reasons that he is even in this mess to begin with. Joseph, however, responds differently.
Many years after Joseph was sold into slavery, he comes face to face with his brothers. At this time, Joseph, through a series of God-ordained events, is serving on the court of Pharaoh, the King of Egypt. A great famine has fallen across the land, and Joseph’s brothers have come to buy grain so that they will not starve. Joseph meets their needs, and he provides for them when their resources continue to deplete due to the overwhelming famine. After Jacob passes away the brothers are fearful that Joseph will take out his wrath on them without their father to protect them. Instead, Joseph continues to show grace and mercy. In Genesis 50:19-21, Joseph says, “’Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” In this moment, with these words, Joseph changes the climate. What was previously an anxious, fearful, and uncertain environment for the brothers becomes a reassuring, kind, and safe environment. The Lord gave Joseph the ability to choose his attitude towards his brothers, the people who condemned him to a life of slavery and ultimately death, and Joseph chooses to show grace, mercy, and love.
Christmas can be one of the busiest times of the year. In my devotion this morning, this was the closing prayer: Eternal God, help us not to let busyness rob us of spending time with you, so that we can create a climate of love and joy. If we do not intentionally choose to be still in the presence of God this Christmas season, we will get caught up, and the climate we create will be one of stress, worry, and anxiety. On the other hand, if we keep Christ at the heart of our day, spending time with him and remembering to thank him for the reason we celebrate this joyous season, his son Jesus Christ, we will be better equipped to show love and change climates for Him this holiday season. Let us be a people who are known for showing love, kindness, and joy! Merry Christmas!
