Dear Young People,

Youth is a time when the attraction for the opposite sex can become a serious problem. Immorality is one of the greatest tools that Satan has used to destroy people. Even great persons like David and Solomon fell prey to this snare because they did not realize how dangerous it was.

We have encouraged you to keep a Bible and pencil with you when you read Youth Corner. Turn now to Gen 39:1-21.
Only Joseph could escape its sting. How could he do that? May be, we can find clues that will help us to deal with it spiritually?

In a far-off country, far from his family and relatives, Joseph was alone. He must have been miserable because of the separation from his dear father. Yet, when the opportunity was given by Satan to fall into sin he did not fall. No one was watching. If he gave into sin, nobody would notice. The woman in question would ensure that nobody got to know about the matter. There was absolutely no chance of his father and brothers coming to know about his sin if he gave in.

Question: What thought kept him from sinning? (Gen 39:9)
“… How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against _____________?”

Question: What was Joseph’s attitude to the wicked woman’s advances? (Gen 39:10)
“So it was, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not _____________her, to lie with her or to be with her.

Question: One day, when she cornered him, did he stay and fight her? (Gen 39:12)
No, “… But he left his garment in her hand, and _________ and __________ outside.”
Make it a point never to be alone in the company of the opposite sex. You do not know how powerful the flesh is when Satan uses it against you as a tool. Remember that, to sin, you need not do anything—even a lustful thought is sin.

Question: When Joseph fled, what did he lose? (Gen 39:19-20)
Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the _____________, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison.

He lost his job, position, and even his freedom. He had to lose something in order to safeguard himself. In the same way, we may have to lose a friend, give up an interesting hobby, or give up watching an otherwise interesting serial, or be thought of as a weak person.

Summary: What we learn from Joseph:

  1. Fear God wherever you are.
  2. Even when tempted again and again, do not listen.
  3. When the point comes that you can not resist anymore, flee from that place.
  4. Holiness is more valuable than anything you may lose in its pursuit.

(Nahomi Dhinakar; Published in Youth Column of Dhyanamlar Apr II 2004) Click here for other Youth Column articles