Genesis 39:8,9
But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, with me here, my master does not concern himself with anything in the house, and he has put all that he owns in my charge. 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?”
Why do we do the right thing? There are many good reasons. Many are in our self interest. Not selfish, but beneficial to us. For example, an alcoholic may avoid substances because they it’s better for them. In terms of maturity, these are more basic reasons to behave. Earlier in life, we learn the “self interest” lessons.
As we get older, we learn the lessons of gratitude and responsibility. That’s how Joseph is acting. He knows he was in a deep dungeon. The place where disease is rampant and people are of the lowest character. Yet, God preserved him. He also knew that God promoted him to such a great position. He didn’t ignore that Potifar had a part. He was entrusted with everything by him.
Joseph doesn’t tresspass, because he doesn’t want to dishonor those that have been good to him. This is like the one leper that returned to thank Jesus. While the other nine didn’t. This is 10%. Lord, help us to be like the 10%.
Potifar’s wife couldn’t comprehend this. She like an animal acting on instinct. Her actions said, “I want you”, but as soon as he doesn’t comply, she crosses him. No love there. Proverbs speaks of how we shouldn’t be like the horse, that must respond because of the bit and bridle. But we are to obey God because of our reason, not because of force.
Lord, help us to do the right thing because of the right reasons.