Memorize: “Whoso walketh uprightly shall be saved; but he that is perverse in his ways shall fall at once” Proverbs 28:18
Devotional Reading: Genesis 38:1-30
Many people live according to “situation ethics,” a concept made famous by Joseph Fletcher in the 1960s. This lifestyle rejects the concept of moral absolutes. It allows sin or immoral act if situation demands. We currently live in an age and time when extreme immorality is now accepted in the name of modernism.
It’s a philosophy advocated by men like British writer, Somerset Maugham, who once wrote, “No action is in itself good or bad, but only such according to convention.” Those with this belief have no reservations about living according to “free love” doing whatever they want, without concern for God, His Word, His principles or eternity.
According to our devotional reading, Judah, the son of Jacob, chose to live according to lack of moral values. Even though he had been taught about God, Judah felt completely justified in having sex with a woman he assumed to be a prostitute.
He didn’t realise this woman was his own daughter-in-law, Tamar. Motivated by anger, Judah had forgotten his promise to give her his son, Shelah, as a husband.
When Tamar became pregnant, she was condemned by people throughout the community.
Judah joined in the condemnation until Tamar revealed he was the father.
Suddenly, Judah realised he was living in double standard. He had compromised God’s standards…he was guilty.
Many people in our world today lack moral values, immorality has become the trend and fashionable lifestyle in our society which has brought shame, sicknesses and diseases to our world.
Judah’s brother, Joseph, also had an opportunity to compromise his moral standing, when the wife of his Egyptian master, Potiphar, tried to seduce him. Joseph, however, chose not to compromise, and he rejected her overtures. He knew she was asking him to do a “great evil” and “sin against God” he said NO Genesis 39:7-10.
Today, we live in a world dominated by situation ethics, with no moral standard, “anything goes they say”. Many are willing to ignore the Word of God and compromise their convictions for a reward or gain that is temporary.
Unfortunately, they are following the example of Judah. Instead, God wants us to be like Joseph: focused on God, strong, resolved, and unwilling to compromise. Joseph made a positive difference and earned himself an edifying record, he kept his integrity intact.God expects us too to have integrity, uphold moral values and shun sin.
May the Lord help you to be committed to God, uphold godliness, live according to His Word, no matter what others say or do.The hand of God will uphold and preserve you in Jesus name.
Prayer point: O Lord, deliver me from visible and invisible sin in Jesus name.
Key Dose: Remember that righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
