A Good Name

Genesis 39:6-18

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”(Prov. 22:1 KJV) Can you recall a moment in your past, when you failed to consider the consequences of an evil action you were willing to commit? There are times when doing evil seems good, but only when seeking to satisfy the flesh. Therefore, ignoring the fact that God sits high, and monitors our every move, only brings displeasure to the Father. The next time you’re presented with temptation, take a moment to consider the consequences of your action. Will God be pleased by the choice you make? Will your family, friends, and those who trust you, lose the respect they have toward you? Will your action tarnish the good reputation you built up for years?

In our text, Joseph was met with a temptation, that could have possibly ruined his established reputation with God. Aside from being handsome and well-favored, Joseph was a man of integrity, good morals, and walked according to a holy standard. The short version of the life of Joseph goes as such: He was the younger brother of many men, who became jealous of their father’s love for him, so they sold him to slave traders, lied to their father that he died, and moved on with their lives. Fortunately, God protected Joseph, and gave him favor even in his master’s house. The favor of God not only showered upon Joseph, but his master was blessed by God, simply for having Joseph under his watch.

The text reads, “And he left all he had in Joseph’s hand:” Joseph was in charge of all the master’s possessions, and business. From this, one would think that this young man who was previously dissed by his own blood, was now living rather good. Unfortunately, the moment things start going good for a brother, there’s always someone plotting to mess it up. Since being taken in, and given authority over the master’s house, Joseph was being watched closely by the master’s wife. Rather than honor the sanctity of her marriage, the vile woman had intentions to “lie” with God chosen vessel. “And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.” In other words, once Joseph knew she was feeling him, he made it his business to avoid her at all costs.

When faced with temptation, do you try hard to avoid it, or do you easily give in? Joseph had a reputation to keep with his master, but most importantly, with God. When the devil knows he can’t get to you with wicked plots and schemes, he’ll always result to tearing down your good name. Think it not strange, when evil men attempt to tarnish your good reputation. Instead, trust that no matter how far men go to bring you down, God will always, and I repeat ALWAYS, make it possible for the truth to reveal who you really are. Don’t allow yourself to get so worked up until you try to fight the enemy in the natural realm, instead take the fight to the spiritual realm, and seek God to fight on your behalf.

Keep your chin up… it’s easier to see Heaven that way,

Ell