TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
Please read Genesis 39
So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.
Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.
Genesis 39:6–10
DEVOTIONAL
by Elder Chris Beltran
In the prime of his life, Joseph, a young man possessing all other young men’s desires, somehow avoided temptation from Potiphar’s wife. How did he do that?
First, he took responsibility. In verse 9, Joseph took responsibility for his own behavior. How many of us might have thought, “She is attractive, aggressive, and determined. What would you expect someone my age and position to do? How could I help it?” No, Joseph didn’t go there. He took responsibility for his own actions.
Second, he recognized sin for what it is. The Bible is God’s word for humanity. He loves us enough to define sin in His scriptures and to warn us away from it. Our culture today tends to soften it or even disregard it. God gave reasons why Joseph shouldn’t sin, and so should we.
Third, Joseph has a deep relationship with God. He can’t bear to sin and disappoint the God he loves. Yes, he was loyal to his earthly master Potiphar, but in the end, it was God whom Joseph was most concerned about.
Fourth, Joseph refused to be present in places of temptation. Prevention is always better than cure. Joseph was enslaved and didn’t have as much freedom as we do. Yet, he did his best to avoid putting himself in situations where he might be tempted. We can do the same.
Lastly, he ran, fled, and left immediately. When she grabbed his robe, he didn’t stop and used the moment to discuss with her his conviction. He didn’t try to reason with her anymore by saying how he was flattered but must decline. He ran away; he left immediately. It was so immediate that he didn’t go back for his coat.
We are accountable since temptation is all around us. May these steps that Joseph took to avoid the temptation be a guide and reminder that we should see sin as it is and not entertain it to such a degree until we fall to it.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we come before You, inspired by the example of Joseph in Genesis. Grant us the strength to take responsibility for our actions. May we recognize sin for what it is as we cultivate a deep relationship with You. May we always avoid places of temptation and act swiftly to flee from sin. In a world filled with temptation, please help us to honor You in all we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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