Christian Devotional – January 23, 2016

Read Genesis chapter 39

VERSE:

Genesis 39:9–“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?”

TRUTH:

Joseph understood something very important about temptation. He knew that if he gave in to temptation, he wouldn’t be sinning against Potipher, although it would damage their relationship for sure. He wouldn’t be sinning against the wife, although she is the one begging for him. He wouldn’t even be sinning against himself, although he would most certainly endure the consequences of his actions. Joseph knew that he would be sinning against God. That is the reason that he was able to stand firm in the face of the temptation. If we feel that we’re only sinning against someone else, we will start to justify the reasons why it would be OK to give in to temptation. If we keep our thoughts firmly planted on the fact that we will be sinning against God Himself, the Holy, Righteous, Creator of the universe who loves us, then we will be able to stand firm against the temptation.

RESPONSE:

Father, I love You and I know what You sacrificed to be able to have a relationship with me. I thank You for all that You have done and all that You are doing. I will not allow myself to be moved in my focus when I am tempted, knowing that I would be sinning against You, the one who gave His life for me. Thank You for all that You have done and are doing in this area and I pray that You will help me to stand against any of the temptations we face.