There is no one greater in this house than I, and he has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do this great evil and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)

Joseph was facing a compromising situation. He was sold into slavery by his brothers and became the personal servant of the Egyptian captain of the bodyguard, a man named Potiphar. God blessed the Egyptian’s house on account of Joseph and he made him overseer over his house. Although God blessed Joseph’s work, there was a problem – Mrs. Potiphar was getting a little too frisky:

It came about after these events that his master’s wife looked with desire at Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” (Genesis 39:7)

Joseph however, refused her advances. He had the opportunity to yield to sin and yet he was able to stand firm. What was the secret of his success in overcoming temptation?

Joseph realized the effect of his sin against Potiphar, his wife, himself, but especially against God. His sin would be an affront against God. Joseph realized that all sin is ultimately against God. Do we comprehend the effect of our sin upon a holy and righteous God?

Sin always has consequences. If Achan had fled from the bar of gold as soon as found it, then he would have saved himself and his family. If David would have turned away from Bathsheba when he saw her, then he would have avoided much shame and misery. We must decide ahead of time that we will not succumb to the allurements of the world. Don’t destroy in a moment what you’ve taken a lifetime to build – God knows.