https://odb.org/MY/2022/06/29/run-2
The story of Joseph in the bible of how he ran out of the house when Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce him is the classic illustration of the point that the best way to avoid sin is to flee from it. Conversely, probably the worse way to avoid sin is to go to it and attempt to resist it. 99% of the time and I think 99% of us will fail and fall. The spirit may be unwilling to sin but our flesh is weak.
But for this morning I like to emphasise instead on the results of Joseph maintaining his righteousness. If we read on in Genesis 39:11-23, we will see that Joseph was framed by Potiphar’s wife as having molested her even though the opposite happened and he was innocent. Joseph was unjustly thrown into prison. It was a terrible situation for him as he was just sold as a slave by his brothers and now he is in prison. But if we read on the story, we will see that despite his horrendous situation (and can we say because of his horrible situation?), the LORD was with him. God was present with him in his miserable circumstance and although it was harrowing, he maintained his righteousness throughout and God was with him and showed him kindness. God granted Joseph favour with the prison warden and was put in charge of the prisoners. In other words, instead of suffering as a prisoner, Joseph became essentially like a warden as he was given responsibility over all the prisoners and the warden didn’t pay any attention to all that was under Joseph’s care because the LORD was with him and gave him success in all that he did. That is the classic example on how God will be with us if we maintain our righteousness and flee away from temptation and sin. God will grant us favour with our vendors, customers and bosses and will bless the work of our hands as we maintain our righteousness before God and man.
So beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, do not entertain the thought of sin. Flee far away from temptation and sin. Go the other way. Run from it. Maintain our righteousness before God and man. God will be with us and bless the work of our hands. We will in turn be successful before God and man! Isn’t that a win-win situation?
Ronnie's Thoughts 