THE PRICE OF PURITY - Michelle McKinney Hammond

One day [Joseph] went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. [Potiphar’s wife] caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house… When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger. Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison. - GENESIS 39:11-12,19-20

Living God’s way, according to His commands and principles, often requires paying a huge price. “Can I stand the heat?” is the question we must ask. We need to be clear on the reward of following Christ so we will have the courage to stand firm in His name. The decision must be made based on where our real treasure lies because that’s where our hearts will be.
We need to grow spiritually mature to the point where our top priority is pleasing God regardless of the cost. Many people have gone before us, sacrificing their livelihoods and even their lives for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Like the apostle Paul, we need to reach the conclusion that we are not ashamed of the gospel. And then we need to live it.

To bring this down to a real-life level, if you’re dating a man who is pressuring you for physical intimacy, he doesn’t understand your commitment to purity or to God. He’s not in right standing with God, so he wouldn’t be a good life partner for you. Although it may be painful, release him and seek out someone who is truly devoted to Jesus.

What is most important to you—the acceptance of others or God’s pleasure? How can you deal with rejection and misunderstanding as you stand for God?

PRAY THIS PRAYER WITH ME:
“Dear heavenly Father, help me stay focused on what is of true value, of what pleases You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”