Jaedon hung his multi-colored jacket on the peg by the door of the small construction site trailer. His fingers traced the outline of each patch. His father made it for him in an appreciation of a job well done.

The door swung open and his brothers filed in one by one. Jaedon snapped his hand back from the coat like a child discovering a hot stove for the first time. He couldn’t let them see how much he loved it. They would only make fun. Why did they hate him so much?

The smell of sweat permeated the air and he covered his nose. Why couldn’t his brothers use a scented deodorant? Jaedon would bring that up in this morning’s meeting.

After all, it was his responsibility to run this place. At least, that’s what his dream revealed to him last night.

He clapped to stop their chatter. “Morning, brothers. I need to talk to you. Let’s have a seat.”

They rolled their eyes and grunted before sitting around the table. “What do you want, little brother?” one asked.

Jaedon took a deep breath and eased into his chair. “I need to tell you about the dream I had last night. It gave me an idea and I believe it will help grow our business.”

Larry crossed his arms. “What now? The last great idea you had cost us a ton.”

“Hear me out. In my dream I was on one side of the street and all of you on the other. On my side a huge condo complex was thriving. People coming and going. However, on your side of the street the buildings were crumbling. So, I—”

Simon banged his fist on the table causing everyone to jump. “You think you’re smarter than us, don’t you?”

“I just think our business could use help, so I spoke to Dad this morning about getting investors to fund new condos here in our town. The only stipulation is that I run it. You guys would supervise the work though.”

“No way,” Simon said. “You’re the youngest of us and inexperienced.”

Jaedon got up and poured a coffee. “Dad disagrees. We’ve already put it into motion.”

All of them stood. “That’s it,” Larry said. He waggled his finger in Jaedon’s face. “You’ll be sorry for crossing this line, little brother.”

They stomped out, slamming the door behind them causing the trailer to rumble.

Do you remember the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors? Ever hear the saying “less is more”? I sometimes wonder if that’s the case in this story. Oh, I’m sure the coat was beautiful. I’m talking about how Joseph shared his dreams with his family—giving off the air he was better than them. Have you ever been jealous of another family member, friend or co-worker to the point you wanted to take action?

That’s exactly how Joseph’s brothers probably felt. Let’s think about it.

Joseph shared every detail of his dreams. Do you think he should have kept them to himself? He not only shared one dream but two. You would have thought he’d learned his lesson after their first reaction! Joseph gave off the air he was better than them. Maybe he didn’t feel that way at all, but it sure looked like it in their eyes. I realize these dreams were all part of a bigger plan (more of that in upcoming blogs), but do we share too freely? Do we brag? Maybe not intentionally but others may take it that way. When something great happens we want to tell everyone. There’s nothing wrong with that. We just have to spot the fine line between bragging and being proud of our accomplishments. Pride isn’t always a bad thing. Knowing the difference is a continual learning curve.

Joseph’s brothers fought jealousy. Joseph was the favored one and his brothers knew it. How could they not? The flashy coat reminded them every time he wore it. Maybe his father should have thought that one through better, huh? Not Joseph’s fault. Jealousy is wrong no matter what. Sometimes it’s hard to curb, isn’t it? I’ve been there and have had to confess it more than once. Let’s be thankful for what God has given us and not covet what our friends or other family members have. This could be material possessions, talents, looks, etc. Remember, God made us in His image.

Next time you want to share something, remember Joseph’s dreams. I’m not suggesting you stay silent, but just think it through. There is a time and place for everything. Maybe the friend you want to share with isn’t in the right frame of mind to hear it. Watch and listen to be sure.

Even though we all love the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors, I’m not sure his father thought of his other sons before making it. Favoritism leaves a bad taste in our mouths. That’s just food for thought.

Maybe, just maybe the coat had too many colors! If you know what I mean. 😉

Next week we’ll find out more about the story.

What do you think? Do we share too freely? Give me your thoughts in the comments section.

Genesis 37:3 (KJV)

“Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors.” 

 

 

 

Coat of Many Colors (written by Dolly Parton)

Love this version of Dolly’s song. It’s sung by Shania Twain and Dolly. Enjoy!