No For Answer

Genesis 39:7-10

Many years back, when in primary school, our teacher taught us a roll call song that went thus: “Wherever you be, do not say yes when you mean to say no.” In today’s text, Joseph was the second-in-command in the house of Potiphar, his master, and was given all the paraphernalia of power to operate. Nonetheless, when the temptation came to say NO to Potiphar’s wife’s immoral desire, he did not waste time to say no. This singular choice of Joseph though caused him momentary displeasure, he gained eternal favour from God his creator who provided a way of escape for him from the prison where he was kept.

A portion in the Lord’s Prayer (Luke 6:4b) says, “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” However, when temptation comes in the form of Potiphar’s wife, you should not hesitate to say NO. Your uncompromising stance will vindicate you. Don’t yield to temptation, for yielding is sin says a hymn writer. Do not entertain “What would she do if I say no?” Should I just go ahead and follow the orders of my boss’s wife?” If you do, you may be lured into sin which may change the cause of your destiny forever.

Today’s scripture says, “She spoke to Joseph day by day” which means temptation speaks to you on a daily basis. Temptation is not only persistent but subtle and cunning in its ways. Therefore, make up your mind that just as Joseph did, you will not compromise your moral convictions and sin against God. Eventually, Joseph became a prime minister in a foreign land, a position, that the devil planned to steal from him had he consented to his enticement. Whether we believe it or not, temptation to sin will come our way. It is not a sin to be tempted, but it is a sin to yield to temptation.