Honoring God with your life shows integrity

Seek first his kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:35) God makes provisions and needs for life as we prioritize His will.

Have you ever asked the question from time to time whatever happened to integrity. To trust and seek God?s kingdom and righteousness takes integrity. Look at the character of Joseph in the Old Testament in Genesis 39. Here is a story within the story. Joseph had been betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery and yet we read in Genesis 39:2 - the Lord was with Joseph.

As we live day unto day; situation after situation; we might have disappointments, trials and struggles but we can face them knowing the Lord is with us? Joseph had disappointment, suffering and even great temptation. Look at Genesis 39:3-8, he was placed in the service of Potiphar, given great responsibility and was trusted. Joseph would not break that trust. That takes Integrity.

In Genesis 39:9 a beautiful married woman offered Joseph the opportunity for an affair and he would not do it. Why? Because it was wrong! Genesis 39:9 says ?How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God??

Joseph would not take advantage of his surroundings because he put God first in his life and no matter what the opportunity was.

People around Joseph lied; betrayed him and he winds up in prison. But, the one truth which continues throughout the chapter is God was with Joseph.

Bryan Leech shares some thoughts about Joseph in the midst of betrayal. ?We don?t know if Joseph had depression in prison, if there were times when he battled with bitterness, or if he ever railed at God for what had occurred. If these things happened they were passing moods and not permanent attitudes. We see that Joseph allowed God to work in his mind and heart that he was able to stop looking back and start looking forward to what God was going to do.?

We face temptations great and small that challenge us. An individual could be enticed to lie, steal, cheat on their spouse, use opportunities to get ahead but would betray their integrity and God.

What would happen in our lives, our families and communities if we put God first always, no matter what the circumstances were.

Without reading the rest of the story of Joseph, while in prison we are told at the end of the chapter ?That the Lord was with him.?

In Romans 8:38 we read ?If God is for us, who can be against us??