6 So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate. Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, 7 and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!” 8 But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. 9 No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:6 – 9, New International Version)
Theme: The Wisdom of Discipline
Title: Discipline and Defiance
Reflection:
Many disciplined individuals at times exhibit a defiant or stubborn streak in the face of powerful opposition. When obstacles arise, they stick to their resolve and focus on their goals. Defiance is sometimes viewed negatively, but used wisely it works hand in hand with discipline.
As I reflect on today’s Scripture passage I am struck by Joseph’s resolve. Potiphar’s wife had power over him, but he proudly opposed her authority, defied instant gratification, and submitted to the highest authority, God. This kind of defiance marked Joseph as a man of integrity. This character trait was exhibited by Joseph in other circumstances as well. For example, despite having every right to be angry with his brothers who mistreated him, Joseph demonstrated the resolve to show them kindness. A real nugget for me in the passage is Joseph’s motivation to be defiant. He was determined not to sin against God.
Conclusion:
To be disciplined we can benefit from the kind of defiance that says, “How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” If we are tempted to think that Joseph’s defiance is beyond us we are reminded that “we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” (2 Corinthians 4:7 – 9)
When discipline requires defiance, what encourages you most to stick to your resolve?
Contributor: Karen Christie