The Nature of Sin
Many people take sin lightly, and it could be because they do not realize the real nature of sin. Joseph had a firm grasp on the nature of sin, and he shows that to us when Potiphar's wife made advances on him to lure him to sexual sin.(Genesis 39:9) It would help all of us to examine what he told her.
Sin is not just wrong when we get caught by people. Joseph was the head of Potiphar's household. He was the boss under Potiphar, so he could do what he wished. He could have given into Potiphar's wife and hidden it from the rest of the people. However, that did not enter his mind, because he knew that sin was wrong for other reasons. We must never give in to the temptation to sin, just because no one will know about it, and we will not be punished by people.
Joseph knew that marriage was sacred, and that he would be committing adultery if he gave in to her. He knew that adultery was against God's commands, because marriage was to be between one man and one woman for life. Therefore, his sin would be against God, not just against Potiphar. That is the nature of all sin. Every sin is a sin against God. It brings separation from God, and it hurts the heart of God. We resist sin, because we love God, and we do not want to break his commands or hurt Him. When we see sin in that light, it is much easier to choose to do the right thing.
Please, take some time to consider your own attitude toward sin and your understanding of sin. If your attitude and understanding are not Biblical, you will fall into sin and even choose to sin much more than if you have the correct view of the nature of sin.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 41-43.
Sin is not just wrong when we get caught by people. Joseph was the head of Potiphar's household. He was the boss under Potiphar, so he could do what he wished. He could have given into Potiphar's wife and hidden it from the rest of the people. However, that did not enter his mind, because he knew that sin was wrong for other reasons. We must never give in to the temptation to sin, just because no one will know about it, and we will not be punished by people.
Joseph knew that marriage was sacred, and that he would be committing adultery if he gave in to her. He knew that adultery was against God's commands, because marriage was to be between one man and one woman for life. Therefore, his sin would be against God, not just against Potiphar. That is the nature of all sin. Every sin is a sin against God. It brings separation from God, and it hurts the heart of God. We resist sin, because we love God, and we do not want to break his commands or hurt Him. When we see sin in that light, it is much easier to choose to do the right thing.
Please, take some time to consider your own attitude toward sin and your understanding of sin. If your attitude and understanding are not Biblical, you will fall into sin and even choose to sin much more than if you have the correct view of the nature of sin.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Genesis 41-43.