FEAR THAT DRIVES

Joseph has a choice to make:

How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God. -Genesis 39:9

Let's take notice Joseph displaying for us what a healthy fear of God looks like. He is rejecting the wife of Potiphar by seduction and revealing to us what drives him. The fear of God is directing him to his response (Obedience is how we show our love for God).

A Healthy fear of God is what directs everything in our lives. When we don't have it we become casual in our choices and in other cases we waver, stumble, and fall. When we have it, we experience His protection, provision, and victory. We see Joseph here is driven by a holy reverence...How can I sin against God?

Think of it like this. A vehicle has the power to get us to destinations quickly and safely. It also has the power to inflict serious damage. If we take for granted its power we can drive ourselves into serious regrets. Our choices matter. Most car accidents occur because someone has become too casual when they get behind the wheel. Recognizing the potential threat of the vehicle can cause us to drive differently. The destination is not more important than the journey.

The enemy wanted to distract Joseph to veer off course. So pressure was applied to create a different type of fear. An unhealthy worldly fear that drives us into sin. Joseph was driven by more than faith and love, it is a reverence that we should all have for God.

A healthy godly fear provides for us an ability to make wise decisions that protects us. An unhealthy fear causes us surrender under the pressure and that is where the crashes occur. Don't fear the pressure. Fear God!

The fear of mankind is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected. -Proverbs 19:25