Flee From Evil Desires Of Youth

18 hours ago
2 min read

Wednesday, July 08 Read: Genesis 39: 1-11

"Flee from sexual immorality. ..." (I Corinthians 6: 18)

Joseph had been sold to Potiphar, the captain of Pharaoh's bodyguard. There is no mention in the Bible of the struggles this 17 year old boy must have gone through when he arrived in Egypt. He was torn from his father, taken to a strange culture and sold as a slave. But, because the Lord was with Joseph, he was successful. Joseph was well-built and handsome. (Genesis 39:6) Satan hit him with temptation in the form of Potiphar's wife, who enticed him to commit adultery. It was not a single temptation which Joseph had to withstand. Joseph's temptation was strong because it was persistent. "She spoke to him day by day." (Genesis 39:10) But Joseph was resilient and did not yield to temptations. He chose not to sin against God. He recognized that his integrity mattered even when no human eyes were watching. One day, when Potiphar's wife grabbed his cloak and demanded to come to bed with her (Genesis 39:12), Joseph took the ultimate moral standard - he literally fled the scene.

Dear friends, this teaches two practical lessons for us.

First, who we think we are matters more than what others think of us. Joseph was raised to believe in the God of his fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He maintained his identity as a servant of God, while others thought of him as a mere slave. Wherever we are, let us not forget that we are children of God and so live to keep our identity.

Second, running from temptation is the best strategy for avoiding sin. Run and do not turn back. Let the mockers say what they will. Keep your character pure. Just do what is right in God's sight, for it is better to please God than to fear men.

Prayer: Dear Lord, You see me, You know what I have done and what I did not do. Let me have in mind that I am Your child and that I should not profane Your holy name by my sinful living. Let me run away from the site of temptation and refuse to yield to it on any account. Amen.

If you want to receive daily encouragement and insights, consider subscribing to our newsletter.

Subscribe for Honey Drops