Joseph is one of my favorite people in the Bible to study. His un-shakable commitment to the character of God is something I long for. He was betrayed by his brothers, separated from his father for decades, forgotten about by those who promised to help him, and falsely accused. Yet through offense after horrible offense, Joseph never wavered in what he believed in.
Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife “…How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her. Genesis 39:6-10
In the face of great temptation, Joseph ran in the path of integrity.
Joseph boldly refused the offer.
He could have gotten away with it. Joseph had been given control over all of his master Potiphar’s possessions. He could have arranged for all servants to be busy with their duties…away from him and Potiphar’s wife. I imagine Potiphar’s wife was an attractive woman, and we know that she was persistent! She very openly and aggressively offered herself to him. To Joseph, there was no beating around the bush; he flat out refused her.
Joseph recognized who his sin was ultimately against.
Sure, Potiphar would have been livid to find his right-hand-man in bed with his wife but Joseph’s motivation to reject this alluring offer was out of love, respect and commitment to God and His ways.
Joseph didn’t listen to the constant invitation.
He had initially declined her offer, but the woman would just not stop. She entreated him day after day after day, constantly reminding him of what he was missing out on. He refused her day after day after day. He tuned her out. He would not listen to the lie that life with this woman and the pleasures she could offer him were better than fellowship with God.
A momma’s plea for integrity.
Oh, that my boys would be like Joseph in the face of temptation! It was by God’s grace that Joseph was able to endure temptation and walk with integrity. And by God’s grace, my boys can too.
- Lord, I pray that when my sons have an opportunity to sin, they would refuse it. Give them boldness to say no and courage to flee at the first signs of temptation.
- I ask that you would cement the truth in my boys’ minds that sin is ultimately an offense against you, our Holy Creator. Let them not be primarily driven from sin out of fear of getting caught. I pray their motivation to remain pure would be an overflow of their heart’s reverent awe of your holiness.
- Give my sons a deaf ear to the offers of pleasure this world can provide. Show them that only you can satisfy the cravings of their soul.
What are your prayers for your sons in the area of integrity? How do you teach your boys what integrity is?
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Great post, Katie. The story of Joseph has so much we can glean from and I love how you hope your sons will be like Joseph in the face of temptation.
This morning my boys were arguing, not sharing, etc. The oldest (7) was particularly cranky and didn’t readily desire to look into his own heart. I pointed that out to him (it took like 5 times of explaining that before he started to grasp the concept), and asked him how else could he have responded in the same situation. He gave some great responses. Then it dawned on me that asking him that was good, because it caused him to think for himself in a trying time.
KellySinging´s last [type] ..Frustrating Family Members and the Holy Bathroom
I forget to do that sometimes! Often when I stop talking/lecturing my oldest and ask what he thinks should be done, he comes up with a better plan.
Katie Orr´s last [type] ..Phillippians :: Week 10:: Do Not Be Anxious About Anything
I love this great reminder. This is something I in steal in my boys every single day. Joseph was a great man and praying that our sons will be like him is a wonderful prayer. Thanks for sharing these great reminders.
Sonya Schroeder´s last [type] ..Week 11 – Gift of Service
Thanks Sonya. I do pray that they would have integrity like Joseph, but ultimately that they would look like Jesus, and treasure Him above all!
Katie Orr´s last [type] ..Phillippians :: Week 10:: Do Not Be Anxious About Anything
just this morning we talked about doing the right thing…even when others are doing the wrong thing. That’s it’s not what’s popular or alluring that directs our actions. It’s our desire for “best”, for “truth”, for “holiness”. thanks katie!
Heather´s last [type] ..Patience: an alternative to anger
“It’s our desire for “best”, for “truth”, for “holiness”. ”
Yes! The desire to be set apart for the glory of God! I pray that my children “get” this. (Their momma needs a good reminder now and again, too!)
Katie Orr´s last [type] ..Phillippians :: Week 10:: Do Not Be Anxious About Anything
And then Joseph became number two in the Egypt empire – you get the idea
Shahar´s last [type] ..The day after…