“So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.” — Genesis 39:22-23 NIV
We live in a world that lies in wickedness (1 John 5:19). And since the fall happened, not all things in this world have been in God’s order. There’s evil in people’s thoughts, character, cultural patterns and some family upbringings.
With whatever evil prevails in the world, God’s children have overcome them through faith in Jesus (1 John 5:4). But there’s a decision to make. Will we stand for Christ by living the victorious Christian life over evil or become adversely affected by societal evils?
Let’s see how a small part of Joseph’s life teaches what we ought to do.
Joseph’s own brothers sold him into slavery at a young age. When he got to Egypt, Potiphar bought him as a slave. In that house, he worked hard and earned enough trust from his master. But again, his master’s wife landed a false accusation on him, ending him in prison.
Despite all the atrocities in his life, God never left Joseph. He was always with him. In prison, Joseph gained favour in the eyes of the prison warder because of God’s presence upon his life. As hardworking as he always was, he became so responsible that this prison warder decided not to worry himself about the affairs of the prison. Wow!
After he got released from prison and started servicing in Pharaoh’s government, Joseph continued living out his godly character. Aside from all these things we’ve heard, what can we learn from him?
It’s simple. No matter a person’s location, his character will always remain constant if he’s intentional about living it, whether good or bad.
Joseph did not allow the negativities of life to corrupt his godly values. He sustained his godly character despite numerous changes in his environment.
Joseph still worshipped God in a foreign and idolatrous land. He was faithful to obeying God’s commands even when people like Potiphar’s wife lied about him. And I’m sure this man wrestled with revengeful thoughts as he lived encountering all these atrocities in life. But, he overcame each one of them by the strength of God.
Changes in environment are bound to happen in life. You’ll live, travel and visit many places. You’ll work with different sets of people. In some places, the environment will be Christ-saturated, and you’ll really enjoy it. But for others, both the environment may be awful, and the residents may continue doing evil things. In such situations, even if they don’t affect you directly, they can affect your clean thoughts as you see evil in manifestation every day (just like what happened to Lot in Sodom – 2 Peter 2:7-8). But in all these things, I urge you to sustain your godly character.
When living with other Christians, imitate what they do that glorifies Christ and leave the bad attitudes out. Intentionally insist on living out what you’ve learnt from God’s Word. Don’t be weak and become adversely influenced by the ills of people’s behaviour and societal norms. Uphold every godly values in your life wherever you go.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me remain conscious of what you’ve taught me; so that I’ll sustain the godly character you’ve built in me through Your Spirit, Your Word, parents, ministers, and other people in my life. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 185
Download Quote and Share
