Devotion 2: “Separated to God”
Scripture: Genesis 39:7-18
Key Verse: “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” – Genesis 39:9
Temptation is a part of life, but how we respond to it reveals the depth of our walk with God. It’s important to realize that resisting temptation does not make us deserving of God, but our existing walk with God enables us to resist temptation.
In Genesis 39, Joseph faces a great temptation: Potiphar’s wife relentlessly pursues him, yet Joseph refuses. His decision isn’t based on fear or avoiding consequences but on his deep love and reverence for God.
Temptation can be fought against. We must keep our guard up; we must have a plan; we must above all else determine love God more than the sin that tempts us. Holiness is more about devotion to the God we love than the sin which entices us.
Joseph’s refusal to sin was rooted in his understanding of holiness. He didn’t view sin as a mere mistake but as a betrayal of the God who had been so faithful to him. He knew that to give in to temptation would not only damage his relationship with Potiphar but, more importantly, it would hurt his relationship with God.
What Joseph teaches us is that being separated to God means there are things we simply cannot do. Living a holy life requires making hard choices, but these choices are an expression of our love for God.
Application:
Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to compromise your values for temporary pleasure or advantage? Just as Joseph was separated to God and committed to living a life of holiness, we too are called to resist the temptation to sin by focusing on our relationship with God and the purpose He has for us.
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