Sometimes Doing the Right Thing Will Get You in Trouble
Think about Joseph.
Sometimes doing the right thing can cause you more problems in the short term than doing the wrong thing.
Joseph is a prime example of this.
What Happened to Joseph
After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph becomes the “manager” over all Potiphar’s household and business. The Bible tells us Joseph was successful because the Lord was with him (Genesis 39:2).
Joseph was a handsome man - and Potiphar’s wife soon noticed Joseph.
And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” (Genesis 39:7)
Joseph refused because of the great honor Potiphar had given him by promoting him to be the manager of the house, but primarily because this would be a sin against God.
Eventually, Joseph runs away from Potiphar’s wife, leaving part of his clothing in her hand (Genesis 39:11-12).
She accuses Joseph of trying to assault her - and Potiphar throws Joseph into prison.
Joseph did everything right in Genesis 39. He conducted himself honorably - and yet he still ended up being thrown into prison for a crime he did not commit. He did the right thing - and still got in trouble.
But the Lord was still with Joseph, even in prison (Genesis 39:21).
What Will We Choose?
Will we choose to do the right thing, no matter how it may turn out?
Will we remain faithful to God, knowing He is still with us, even when we suffer for doing right?
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)