Is it real?

Does it have roots? Will it grow?

We saw this “tree” sticking out of the snow, and it looks like a mini version of that real tree. 

It’s just a stick, so I don’t think it’ll last long as the snow melts! 

So it’s not how it looks above ground but how healthy it actually is. 

Genesis‬ ‭42‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭says, “And Joseph said unto them the third day, This do, and live; for I fear God: if ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses:”

In Egypt during the famine, Joseph tested his brothers to see who they really were, if their apparent growth had taken root. 

Joseph could’ve let bitterness grow through all those years since his brothers sold him into slavery. Bitterness and discouragement have brought down far more people than circumstances ever could. 

But Joseph had already forgiven his brothers and wanted to see if their change was real. Thankfully it was! 

Is your Christianity real or only looking good on the outside? 

Real Christianity has roots that keep growing, a faith that gets stronger so that outward change comes from inward change. 

Today’s Bible reading is Genesis 42.