Joseph’s jealous and hate-filled brothers sold him into slavery. Genesis 39 tells us that he ended up in Egypt as a slave to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials. Joseph did such a good job for his master that Potiphar promoted him to be in charge of his entire household.

Potiphar’s wife noticed how attractive Joseph was, and she tried to seduce him. Day after day she propositioned him, but he continued to say, “No.” One day she caught him by the cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he ran out of the house.

This scorned woman concocted a lie that Joseph had tried to rape her. Because of her false accusation, Joseph was taken to prison.

Joseph showed his integrity in two ways. First of all, he did a good job for his master even though he was unfairly sold into slavery by his brothers. He didn’t mope about his circumstances, he just did the best he could in the situation in which he found himself.

Secondly, Joseph showed integrity by resisting sexual temptation. He knew that sexual relations are only for a husband and wife. Anything beyond that is sin. He ran away from temptation rather than giving in to it.

We need to show integrity if we are going to make a difference for God. The Lord can use someone who has fallen and later repented, but our capacity to serve God is greatly enhanced if we hold onto our integrity.

“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”—2 Timothy 2:22.