Joseph Man Of Integrity

“…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. One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. She caught him by his cloak and said, "Come to bed with me!" But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.”

Genesis 39:6b-12

That passage gives us one of the most vivid examples of integrity in scripture. Joseph understood that even though “no one” was there in the room that godly integrity has as its foundation who you are when no one else is looking.

This passage never gives the name of Potiphar’s wife. Today, I believe that she can be called “P.C.” (personal computer) If there is ever a temptation looming in the face of all of us, especially men, it is the opportunity to become involved in sinful activities on the computer. Chat rooms, video sites, texting, spam, pop-ups, googled images and more call out day by day, “Come to bed with me!”

The use and misuse of this “wonderful piece of technology” has and is utterly destroying family after family each and every day.

Men and possibly some of you women, none of us is exempt from the temptation, every time we get online we are in the path of “Potiphar’s wife” calling out to us. By God’s grace and because He is worthy of our obedience and loyalty let’s say together like Joseph “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sing against God?” And then…leave the mouse on the desk and RUN!

Consider these lyrics from the song, “Guard Your Heart”, by Steve Green

What appears to be harmless glance?

Can turn to romance and homes are divided.

Feelings that should never have been awakened

within tearing the heart in two listen, I beg of you!

Guard your heart, guard your heart.

Don’t trade it for treasure, don’t give it away.

Guard your heart guard your heart

as a payment for pleasure it’s high price to pay.

For a soul that remains sincere with conscience clear guard your Heart.

The human heart is easily swayed and often betrayed

at the hand of emotion.

You dare not leave the outcome to chance you must choose

in advance or live with the agony, Such needless tragedy!