by Matt Thompson

How easy is it to allow your “yes to be yes” in your walk with Christ? Have you ever heard others say they will do whatever it takes to move up in life, even if it means veering from the right path?

In my first job after college, I heard coworkers lie in order to move up. I can recall standing shocked when a manger, who claimed to be a Christian, explained to me that sometimes you need to do whatever it takes to provide for yourself—even if that goes against your values. Has it become that easy to justify our actions?

Genesis 39 records an event in the life of Joseph, a man of integrity. Potiphar’s wife continually tempted him. It would have been easy for Joseph to say, “Hey, no one is looking. I’ll do what I must to make my life easier.” However, Joseph’s devotion to God was more important than an easier way of life.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary suggests that Joseph considered who
he was when he was tempted. He was in a covenant with God—in a relationship with him. Next, he looked at the sin that tempted him. To others it may have seemed small, but to Joseph, sin was sin. Finally, Joseph considered the one he would be sinning against—not Potiphar, but God.

How did Joseph handle this? Joseph’s relationship with God gave him the strength and power to run from the temptation. He let his “yes be yes, and his no be no.” Where do you struggle letting your yes be yes? Consider how you can be like Joseph.

Matt Thompson ministers with the Geneva Church of Christ in Geneva, Ohio. He and his wife, Angel, have two children: Joshua and Faith.