There's Hope For TodaySample

If anyone ever deserved a little pleasure in life, it was a boy named Joseph.

He was sold into slavery by his brothers, robbed of his homeland, and stripped of his heritage. Serving in the household of Potiphar, an Egyptian officer, things started looking up. God blessed Joseph and Potiphar put him on the fast track to success. In short order, he was in charge of a large household.

When Potiphar’s wife propositioned this young servant, he should have been an easy mark. He had risen above his peers. He enjoyed a measure of success, and success is the cocaine of the spirit. Entrusted with power, Joseph was certainly tempted with pleasure.

A lesser man would have fallen, but Joseph resisted temptation because he set absolute boundaries. In answer to the seductive advances of Potiphar’s wife, Joseph resisted and fled. Joseph knew his boundaries.

Unless we establish clear boundaries and refuse to cross the lines, we will soon fall. The proud man, in hot pursuit of power or pleasure, ignores the boundaries. He is soon far from home and storing up regrets. Absolute boundaries keep us centered and safe, even against the strongest temptations.