Integrity in All Things

Integrity in All Things

I was just thinking about Joseph and the events recorded in Genesis 39. What stands out to me is Joseph’s integrity in all circumstances. I believe he serves as a strong role model for every man in the world.

Some might cite Joseph for being a little haughty as a child in declaring that his father and brothers would one-day bow down to him. Even Joseph didn’t understand exactly what that meant and how it would come about. As he got older, he might well have forgotten the claim or taken it for granted because he didn’t see anything happening to bring it about. When his brothers threw him in the ground and later sold him into slavery, he probably didn’t think about them serving him, but questioned why he was in this predicament and tried to figure how he was going to get out of it.

In Egypt, Joseph was sold to Potiphar. He soon proved to be such a man of integrity, honest beyond most men, and definitely hard working, that Potiphar put Joseph placed him in charge of everything in his household. Joseph had great freedom to purchase, manage, use and utilize all Potiphar owned.

Potiphar’s wife observed Joseph as well. He was young, strong, attractive and frequently around the house. Unfortunately, Potiphar’s wife was an immoral woman who had no respect for the sanctity of marriage. She propositioned Joseph again and again. Joseph refused, but that didn’t stop Mrs. Potiphar from trying.

One time, when no one else was around, Mrs. Potiphar caught Joseph by surprise and tried to drag him into her bedroom. Joseph, a man of integrity, fled so fast that he even left his garment behind. If he had any undergarment, which was all he had when he left. Since she couldn’t seduce him, she decided to hurt him by crying “rape”. When Potiphar heard about it, he was infuriated and had Joseph thrown into the King’s more secure prison.

Joseph had done nothing wrong. In fact he was protecting his integrity when he was arrested and thrown into jail. Where was this part about his family worshipping him now?

Even in all of this lying, trial and false imprisonment, Joseph maintained his moral purity. He continued to love and serve God, even in prison. Time and again, Joseph rose above temptation and made the best of the opportunity. His faith in God and integrity even when falsely accused and imprisoned, would not be compromised. Joseph would not compromise his integrity.

The one thing that you can absolutely control is your integrity. No one can take it away from you. No one can make you compromise your values. You own and control your character. You alone have the freedom and power to choose to do the right things and be a real witness for Jesus Christ.

What would others say about your integrity? What are you doing to maintain your integrity and do what is right according to God’s standard? Be like Joseph and don’t let anyone or anything take you away from walking with integrity before God.

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