The You That Only You Can Be

The You That Only You Can Be

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,  and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!”

Genesis 39:6-7, NIV

Remember that time when you were placed in charge of a powerful man’s estate and then somebody wanted to sleep with you and you said no and found yourself in prison. Me neither.

But that was a real thing for Joseph. You’d think maybe being sold into slavery by your brothers would be the lowest point of your life, but I feel like being falsely accused after doing the right thing and then finding yourself in prison might be a close second.

Do you know what you’d never hear Joseph say? “THAT’S NOT FAIR!” Joseph kept trusting in God even during all the chaos and tragedy in his life. He always chose the high road, even though it appeared sometimes to be getting him nowhere except a prison cell.

I’ve heard it said that character and integrity is who you are when no one is looking. I believe the key to living a faithful and successful life is to never compromise your integrity for any kind of gain.

Joseph could’ve slept with Potiphar’s wife and maybe no one would have known. But instead, he risked it all to do the right thing. Doesn’t it always feel better to return the wallet filled with cash you found in the parking lot instead of keeping it for yourself and knowing it wasn’t yours to keep? It’s a reminder that living with integrity won’t always be the easiest road, but it’ll always be the road that leads you where God wants to take you.

There’s no job, no relationship, no object worth losing who you are, because somewhere is a God-ordained opportunity waiting for the real you, the you that only you can be, the you that can sleep like a well-behaved baby at night knowing you did the right thing even if no one noticed. No one applauded Joseph for his choice. In fact, he was punished for doing the right thing. But God saw, and ultimately, Joseph was blessed for being a man of character and integrity. God looks for those same traits in each of us, hoping He’ll find us faithful in a million small ways that others my never even notice.

Thanks for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement.  It’s not copyrighted so feel free to share it with someone who needs encouragement today. And, if you’re a regular attender of the Mt. Laurel Church of God, please consider reading 2 Peter 1:16-21 to get yourself ready to hear God’s message this coming Sunday, February 15, as we worship the King of kings and Lord of lords!

Called to know the Way, go the Way, and show you the Way,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.