Three Lessons From The Life Of JosephSample

The Right Sense Of Right And Wrong 

After Joseph was sold by his brothers to the Ishmaelite traders, they in turn sell him to Potiphar, the Captain of the guard. Joseph accepts his situation and begins working hard in this new country and God blesses his efforts. Potiphar’s entire house is blessed because of the stewardship of Joseph. The passage tells us that Potiphar had no concern for his house because he was confident Joseph can oversee every aspect of his house. In a sense, Joseph was having a successful period in life. It’s during this time Potiphar’s wife tries to seduce the young and good looking Joseph. Joseph could have given in to this temptation qualifying it as a perk that he is receiving for the injustice that has befallen him. Also, during a time of prosperity we can bring our guard down and tread on dangerous paths. However, Joseph had only one sense of right and wrong and that is God. V. 9 tells us he clearly draws the line when he tells Potiphar’s wife, “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”. 

The world that we live in blurs the lines between right and wrong. The truth is covered in many layers of excuses, justifications and half lies that it’s hard for us to know what is right. Also, during time of prosperity and success we are in danger of over confidence in our flesh, in our decision making ability and rationalization of actions which at it’s core was not right.

From where do we get our sense of right and wrong? Is it from God’s Word and knowing who He is? The Psalmist says in Psalm 86:11 “Teach me Your way O Lord that I may walk in Your truth. Unite my heart to fear Your Name”.