How Your Choices Define You! Part Six
“For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life.” Proverbs 6:23
Making tough choices is never easy, but it’s essential to living a fulfilling life. If you don’t make tough choices, someone else will make them for you. And you may not like the results. However, if you can take some moment to identify what’s important to you and how you want it more than anything else, you can start making choices that will get you closer to your goals.
Joseph understands the importance of relationship and covenant with God and his master, and he was no different. He was the best man in Potiphar’s house. Potiphar’s wife wanted Joseph, so she kept trying to get him to break her husband’s rule. (Genesis 39:7) “Lie with me,” she demanded. Remember, she was a beautiful woman, and she was insistent. But Joseph was courageous to make a tough choice when Potiphar’s wife tempted him. He chose to be a man who would not let his master wife’s demands dictate his life.
Genesis 39:10 says, “Although Potiphar’s wife spoke to Joseph Day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be near her.”
Making tough choices can be scary, but it’s also a sign that you’re trying to live a meaningful life. Don’t be afraid to be courageous and go for what you want. But Joseph was a righteous man. He had integrity. He knew that it was wrong to disobey his master. (Genesis 39:8) He also knew it was wrong to have physical relations with another man’s wife. So, he rejected her advances. This was a tough choice for Joseph to make, but it was the right choice. He could have easily given in to her demands, but he would have been guilty of sin. He would also have been putting his own life in danger if they caught him in the act of adultery with his master’s wife, and his true dream could have been crushed.
Proverbs 1:10 says, “my child if sinners entice you, do not yield to them.” Joseph stands up for what he knew was right, even though it was difficult. We can learn a lot from Joseph’s example. When we face temptation, we need to remember to do what is right, even if it is difficult. So don’t be afraid to take the plunge and make the tough choice – you can do it. Psalm 111:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever.”
Prayer:
1. Holy Spirit, never allow my evil desires to control me.
2. Dear God, I pray that you grant me the strength to overcome my fears so that I will not fall into temptation and turn away from you in Jesus’ name. Amen.
