Last time we started on Joseph. So this time, sexual temptation…
Part of Joseph’s salvation and training involved him being put in prison; because, `well-built and handsome` as he was, his boss’ wife took a fancy to him, tried to seduce him, then when she failed, told his boss he’d tried to rape her (Genesis 39:6-19). If he’d given in he’d not have gone to prison, at least not then; but while God is a forgiving God, Joseph would probably have missed out on the unusual, stupendous glory and fruitfulness God was training him for.
And in our own world, sexual temptation is a standard way for Satan to try to derail our destiny. Particularly if we’re in any kind of spiritual or upfront leadership, where to some of the opposite gender we may embody something attractively gifted or mature, and an attractive spiritual wisdom too. Now, we have to be careful about assuming that what a Bible character does is a model for us, but many people have felt armed by this story. So what are its lessons?
First, v9: God is involved in what we do with our sex. `How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?`: God, and the importance of doing His holy will, is so significant in Joseph’s mind that He comes straight into Joseph’s head, even when his sex drive is (one assumes) kicking off. That’s not something that comes out of nowhere; it’s the product of a life where feeding on God and practising His will has been a central element. It’s the `fear of [= awe at] the Lord` that’s `the beginning of wisdom`, and something Joseph’s been doing has meant he’s grasped this awe, and made it basic to his personality. (Also, he’s calling `wickedness` by its right name, whatever the surrounding culture called it. And he’s not using as an excuse God’s grace, even though that’s been so important to his family.)
V10 he keeps clear boundaries: `He refused to go to bed with her – or, even to be with her.` So in our case, being careful to avoid (and not create) those times, those atmospheres or situations, where being alone with the opposite sex can develop that frisson, that attractive sense of possibility. (And if in doubt, asking a friend who will be blunt about the wisdom of where you’re about to go, or what you’re about to do.)
V12 `She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.` Getting right out of the situation ASAP is the right response to sexual temptation (not expecting God to help you stand by the fire without getting burned); as Jesus says about lust, and presumably he means it, `If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell` (Matt 5:28-29). And therefore, to quote IFES Canadian Nigel Pollock, `Don’t get where you can’t flee!` (Booking a single hotel room when on holiday with your boy/girlfriend is one example. Better use your tithe for a God-honouring separate room!)
And lastly the question the record poses to us: What about the consequences? Joseph did things God’s way and ended up in prison; but if he hadn’t, he’d probably have lost far more longterm, lost the colossal glory God was training him for. As for us: if we follow the Maker’s instructions, we may not only face the loss of immediate sexual fulfilment, but also mockery, or even (like Joseph) vile accusation or aggression (eg at work) from the person we’ve `rejected`. But Randy Alcorn’s Sexual Temptation, writing about adultery, has a powerful summary of what giving in can cost me:
- dragging Jesus’ honour in the mud;
- having one day to face Jesus with this;
- untold hurt to _____________, my spouse and best friend;
- longterm loss of their respect and trust;
- maybe even losing my spouse (if I have one) and kids forever;
- huge hurt and lost credibility with my children…
- And perhaps, loss of self-respect;
- shame to my family;
- shame and hurt among my believing friends;
- loss of credibility in my witness;
- maybe an adulterous pregnancy & its longterm results – personal (for the child), and financial too;
- maybe infection with serious sexual disease;
- maybe infecting my spouse (again, if I have one)…
God forgives, and we can always start again with Him! Nevertheless, in this world sin can have massive consequences (besides adding to what Jesus bore on the cross). As we reflect on Joseph’s story, that list can be really good to meditate on… even to reprint…
