Genesis 39:8-9 (ESV) -- But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?”

“Why do you care if I’m not hurting anyone else?” This is a question people love to ask when in discussion or confronted with their sin. Humans love to respond defensively to any inquiries about their lifestyle choices or sinful actions. The idea that our sin isn’t that bad as long as others aren’t hurt is naïve. It is foolish. Our sin rarely ever only affects us. There are ripple effects, and none more so than in our relationship with God. 

Our passage today reminds us that all sin is ultimately a sin against God. It doesn’t matter if it is done in secret or against other people. All sin is against God because all sin is a rebellion against His commands. We read in our passage today, “But he refused and said to his master’s wife, ‘Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?’”

Most are familiar with this passage. It is the story of Joseph in the home of Potiphar. Joseph is in charge of Potiphar’s home. He is a slave and servant, but the LORD has given him favor. But when Potiphar’s wife attempts to seduce Joseph, he refuses. If Joseph succumbed to her advances, he would certainly be sinning against and dishonoring Potiphar, but he doesn’t mention that. Instead, he refuses to fall into this snare and asks this question, "How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God." Joseph sees the prospect of this entanglement as a sin against God. How so? Because the law says not to commit adultery or fornicate. Joseph would be in sin. And that sin would be against God. 

Do you see all sin as against God? Every sin we commit is ultimately a sin against His reign, His rules, and His rights over us. Confess your sins to Him today. In Christ, there is pardon. But we must repent of our sins and recognize the call to holy living. Every sin is an act of treason against the God of the universe. We need our sensitivities informed by Joseph’s response.

Reflection & Journal:
- Why is every sin a sin against God?
- How does the Joseph story instruct us in this point?
- What does this story teach you personally? How should you respond today in light of it?

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