Ever meet a woman (or guy) who seems irresistible?
You are in a dating relationship with them and there is intense CHEMISTRY. Or maybe she lives down the hall and gives you “the look” every time you take out your trash. Maybe it’s your male trainer at the gym whose hands accidentally brush up your side when he adjusts your posture.
They put out the vibe that they are AVAILABLE. READY to RUMBLE. SEXUALLY OPEN.
And let’s be honest, it’s tempting.
But you want to follow Christ. You are committed to walking in purity. You know better, right?
I imagine Joseph felt this way too.
Potiphar’s wife was more than likely pretty hot.
She was a wealthy Egyptian woman and the wife of a high-ranking official. This gal probably had all the time in the world to primp, work out at the “Desert Sand’s” 24 Fitness, and practice the smoky eye with her Cleopatra line of makeup.
She certainly had time on her hands to lust after Joseph, her handsome and well built man-servant.
It would have been easy for Joseph to hook up with her when his boss wasn’t looking.
It’s always easy to say “yes” to pleasure.
When Tim and I were dating, there were many nights where our kisses on the sofa turned into lingering hugs and the temperature rose a notch in the room.
And choices had to be made.
Tim’s favorite method of recourse in those steamy situations?
FLEE LIKE JOSEPH!
He would excuse himself to go to the restroom and call me from the car ten minutes later.
Half the time I never even knew he was struggling. A smoldering kiss for a girl doesn’t have the same effect as it does for a dude.
But Tim knew his limits and sometimes running was his only option.
When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph -Joseph ran. And the temptress had such a hold on him she ripped off part of his clothes.
Temptation is like that. It grabs on tight. It wants us to surrender.
But God will give us the strength to flee if we seek him.
It helps to have a plan to deal with these situations BEFORE they erupt.
Knowing your triggers and knowing HOW YOU WILL DEAL with the temptation before it arises will give you the tools to navigate sticky situations.
- Maybe you don’t drink alcohol on a date with this person -until you make it down the aisle.
- Maybe you have a group of guys or girls checking in with you and encouraging you to date differently.
- Maybe you set a curfew and stick to it.
- Maybe you get a same-sex trainer.
- Maybe you take a longer route to take out the trash.
Tim and I made it down the aisle without sexual compromise. It wasn’t easy but the truly good things in life rarely are.
IT IS POSSIBLE and IT IS WORTH IT!
Dating Tip #1 -When the temperature get’s hot, FLEE like Joseph!
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified:that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this manner no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or a sister.” –1 Thessalonians 4: 3-6
