Just Don’t Do It

-January 28, 2024-

Good morning beloved, happy Lord’s Day,

“A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; The simple pass on and are punished.”

(Proverbs 27:12).

Nike’s slogan is “Just Do It.” I like it and it applies to serving the Lord very well. However, there are times in life when we face temptations to sin. In such cases, we should say, “Just Don’t It.” A few years ago there was an anti-drug campaign to “just say no.” Unfortunately it didn’t work very well.

Solomon, the wisest man in the world warns us to foresee evil and hide ourselves. It is also good to not put ourselves in situations that play upon our weaknesses. Joseph was in charge over Potiphar’s house and he took his duties very seriously. God made him successful. Potiphar’s wife had longing eyes for him and he said no and kept saying no.

Joseph’s response to her shows his obedience to God. Genesis 39:8-9 says, “But he refused and said to his master’s wife, ‘Look, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. There is no one greater in this house that I, nor has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God.” Even when she caught him by his garment, he fled and ran away from her. She falsely accused him and he was put into prison. He lost his freedom but saved his integrity.

Joseph just did not do it and God richly blessed him. God in time elevated him to the second highest place in Egypt under Pharaoh. This reminds me of Daniel and his three friends how they just said no to the king’s food and wine, choosing to eat only vegetables and drink water. He later rose to an exalted place in Media-Persia.

Another excellent example is David. Saul was pursuing him to kill him. David and his men found Saul and his men asleep in a cave. David’s servant suggested that he kill Saul. David refused and spared Saul, the Lord’s anointed. He did the same thing on another occasion as well.

Obedience to God means refusal to sin against Him. Are we willing to take a stand in this sinful world? Have a blessed day. Stay safe and healthy.

When something is wrong, don’t do it, when something is doubtful, don’t do it,

Dean