God-Centered Decisions

Genesis 39:6-9 (ESV)

“So he left all that he had in Joseph’s charge, and because of him he had no concern about anything but the food he ate.

Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. And after a time his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph and said, “Lie with me.” But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”


Reflection

Each one of us will find ourselves facing temptation in this life, driving us to make decisions as a response. We are in a series that reminds us of a bold truth: every decision we make has a consequence. As believers of Jesus Christ, what should our decision-making process look like when temptation arises? Let’s answer this question by examining Joseph’s story.

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, and was purchased as a servant by a man named Potiphar. Potiphar was Pharaoh’s official and found favor in Joseph. He appointed Joseph to oversee his household and all that he owned. It is here that Joseph finds himself lured to sin through temptation.

Despite Joseph’s appointed position, temptation strikes. No matter the statuses, roles, and accolades we achieve – none of us are above encountering temptation. None of us float above consequences to our decisions.

For Joseph, Potiphar’s wife found him attractive and asked him multiple times to lie with her.

Is there something in your life that is tempting you to step into sin? Maybe it’s buying into the belief that materialism is the answer to a complete life. Maybe it’s seeking temporary happiness through images on your phone. Maybe it’s leveraging your power to make others feel less so you feel greater. Whatever that temptation is, we all have a decision to make and consequences to carry.

So how does Joseph respond to temptation? He not only ignores Potiphar’s wife but runs from her. He flees. Why? Joseph knows the consequence of sleeping with Potiphar’s wife most likely would result in imprisonment and even death. What sobering consequences. More importantly, Joseph knew that accepting her invitation would dishonor God. What an even more sobering consequence!

So, what should be the answer to the question, “What should our decision-making process look like when temptation arises”? Our process should be God-centered. Just as Joseph did, we must invite God into our situation and seek to do what pleases Him.


Action Steps

1. Take a minute and reflect on how you currently respond to temptation.

2. In what ways can you place God at the center of your decision-making process?


Prayer
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me. Thank You for never leaving me when I mess up. Thank You for sticking with me through all of life’s situations, including temptations. God, I want my heart and mind to be fixed on You and to do only what pleases You. Help me to place You at the center of my decision-making process, Lord. In Your mighty name, amen.