(18) "Come let's drink our fill of love until morning. Let's enjoy each other's caresses, (19) for my husband is not home. He's away on a long trip." Proverbs 7:18-19. NLT
How many Christian men and women have fell to the flirtatious temptations of the adulterer? He or she, is just around the corner if we go looking. Many people have taken this risk, including clergy; and now have lost everything. Think, is it really worth it?
Joseph was in a very similar situation with Potiphar's wife. She had noticed that he was quite a catch - 'Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man, (7) and Potiphar's wife soon began to look at him lustfully. 'Come and sleep with me,' she demanded.' (Genesis 39:6-7 NLT).
Potiphar's wife was possibly quite desirable too, and Joseph being young, virile, lonely and miles away from home, could so easily have fell to her charms. After-all, who would know? Answer - God would. The blessing of the Lord was on Joseph, (Genesis 39:5). God had rescued him from his brutal brothers; kept him safe as he was transported as a slave to Egypt, and had given him favour by promoting him as head of Potiphar's house. Why would he want to ruin all of this?
The difference between Joseph and the many Christian people who fall into adultery, is that he was totally committed to his God. He knew that God's hand was upon him, and he wasn't going to blow it all now. He was sold-out to God. He worshiped Him and walked with Him daily. Don't forget that, at first, there would have been a language barrier. Therefore, the only one he could talk to properly, was God, until he quickly learned their language. Joseph had also learned how to deal with rejection; he knew the pain it had caused him and he was grateful to the Father for watching over him.
Joseph ran out of the house leaving his cloak in her hands, so she had some evidence to show the others in the household, and her husband when she accused him of attempted rape.
False allegations. Joseph had no defence ; no one believed him and he was sent to prison. Even though, this was again an awful thing for the innocent Joseph to go through, God knew and quickly promoted him to the head of the prison, just under the head jailer. God gave him much more favour and Joseph eventually became the Prime Minister of Egypt.
Don't fall to flirtation; don't fall to adultery, not even in your thought life. It's not easy when the flesh is so weak; but if you follow Joseph's example, it is achievable.
Copyriight 2020 Grahame Howard
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