Above the Waterline: Living above reproach
Above the Waterline: Living a life above reproach
Reflection
In chapter one of his book, The Measure of a Man, author Gene A. Getz shares a story where he was conducting a “Measure of a Man Seminar” in Chicago. The content of his message landed well with two new Christians who also happened to be experienced in management. Getz reflects on the encounter, stating, “During our conversation, they made an observation I’ll never forget. ‘You know, they said, ‘this is the first time we’ve heard this list of qualifications from the Bible. But we’ve learned from experience in hiring people for middle-management positions that these are the kind of employees we’re looking for.’ In essence, they went on to say they wanted employees who have a good reputation.” I refer to these as individuals who live above the waterline. They are those people we meet who seem to have their heads well above the murky waters. They exude authenticity, consistency, and temperance. Above all, they live with integrity.
The Bible refers to such people as “living above reproach.” According to the Concise Oxford English Dictionary, reproach is a verb which means “to express to (someone) one’s disapproval or disappointment in their actions.” It can also be used in the form of a noun or “an expression of disapproval or disappointment.” Therefore, one who lives “above reproach” is above disapproval or disappointment. To be clear, living above the waterline or above reproach does not necessarily mean a life without controversy. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we will be the subject of empty, mindless gossip and false accusations. In those moments, our character and reputation are put to the test. We need only to look at the Old Testament account of Joseph and Potiphar’s wife.
Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. It came about after these events that his master’s wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God? (Gen 39:7-9)
Some background into this excerpt. Joseph was the favourite of the Old Testament Patriarch Jacob’s twelve sons. (Gen 37:3) Out of jealousy, his brothers sold him to Midianite traders for twenty shekels. (Gen 37:12-35) It was an act of betrayal that would see Joseph ultimately sent to Egypt, where he found favour with Potiphar, a prominent officer of Pharoah’s court. As we see in this excerpt, Joseph was trusted to run his master’s house and affairs. He could have easily let his good standing with his master go to his head, abusing the power and freedom that he had been given. Instead, Joseph chose to act with integrity. He chose to honour God. Unfortunately, having had her advances rejected, Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses Joseph of attacking her, and he is arrested and thrown in prison. (Genesis 39:19-23)
One would be justified to look at Joseph’s life up until that point and say that it was nothing short of tragic. Sold by jealous brothers and wrongly imprisoned for an act he did not commit. However, as the story unfolds, God’s providence is revealed. He honours those who honour Him by walking with integrity and living above reproach. As the story unfolds in a dramatic turn of events, Joseph is released from prison and promoted to second in power over all of Egypt. Joseph, in turn, skillfully leads Egypt through one of the worst famines in the region, a blessing that would extend to his brothers and, ultimately, his people.
Later, in an emotional reunion with his brothers, Joseph once again functions above the waterline.
Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come closer to me.” And they came closer. And he said, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharoah and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt. (Genesis 45:4-9)
There is so much Joseph could have done during his reunion with his brothers. He could have let resentment and hurt dictate his actions toward them. He could have punished them for their deceit and lies. He could have denied them refuge in Egypt, leaving them vulnerable to the effects of the famine. Instead, he chose to see God’s providential hand in the events that had unfolded. He did not attribute his circumstances to their shortcomings; instead, he extended mercy, upheld his integrity and once again honoured God.
The Bible calls for those who seek leadership in the church to live above reproach. However, this is a goal that we can all strive toward. There are a few lessons we take from Joseph’s example. Living above reproach is a life motivated by a desire to honour God. Though living above the waterline does not exclude us from controversy, a life of integrity builds a strong reputation that can endure life’s storms. Finally, a life above reproach honours God and is a blessing to others.
Yours in Christ,
Brad
