The last time you had a great idea, what was the first thing you wanted to do?
If you’re like most people, it was probably to tell someone about it.
Whether it’s an idea, dream, or goal, in our excitement there is usually an urge to share and get validation from others.
In some cases, there is no harm in doing so. But in other cases, doing so can actually lead to pain and discouragement.
The story of Joseph is a good example of how sharing can do more harm than good.
As you likely know, he had a couple of dreams that meant his family would one day bow down before him.
After the first dream, he told his brothers, who already hated him, and the Bible says, “they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said” (Genesis 37:8 NIV).
Not learning from the first time, he told his brothers and father about the second dream.
And the Bible says, “His father rebuked him and said, ‘What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?’ (Genesis 37:10 NIV)
Then, when his brothers had an opportunity to get rid of him, they said:
“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 37:20 NIV).
I don’t know why, but oftentimes the people we expect to support our aspirations can actually discourage them.
For this reason, it may be wise to keep them to yourself.
If you have never made this mistake before, learn from Joseph’s experience.
And if you have, don’t be discouraged because, just like Joseph, God can use the consequences for your good (Romans 8:28).
