Leading with Integrity

The scene could be from a Hollywood movie among the rich and famous.

Young Joseph, blessed with good looks and muscular body, has been sold into slavery by his conniving brothers, and taken to Egypt where he catches the attention of Potiphar, the captain of the guard. Potiphar buys him and puts him to work as a house servant.

And Joseph thrives under the blessing of the Lord.

As does Potiphar’s household under the gifts of Joseph.

So Potiphar “entrusted to his care everything he owned.” Everything! Joseph directs the kitchen staff, the grounds keepers, the building supervisors, his finances. Joseph blossoms as a respected and admired super-administrator.

Then temptation.

Potiphar’s wife took notice of him and demanded, “Come to bed with me!” Perhaps she thought she had rights to him since he was the family’s servant.

And Joseph could have caved. He could have rationalized it as a perk of leadership. But Joseph honored Potiphar’s trust.

Yet the woman pursued him, day after day, pleading, and one day, when everyone else was away, she grabbed him by the cloak, and cried out again. “Come to bed with me!”

Joseph knows this is not going to end well. She’s assaulting him, yet he’s the servant, she the boss’s wife, and no one will believe his version of the story. He pulls away, his cloak left in her hands, and she creates a tale that his jacket is evidence that he was the one who attacked her. Potiphar believes his wife’s story and throws Joseph in jail.

Yet again the Lord was with him, and in prison the warden assigned him as overseer of “all those held in the prison” and “all that was done there”. All!

Leaders today experience similar temptations. As gifted and likable people, leaders can become targets of people who wish to be more than followers. When formal roles blur into friendship and mutual appreciation, both parties need to exercise boundaries—fenced lines for managing emotions, spending time together, and choosing wise places to meet.

Joseph’s example is one for us all: What is God’s standard for right behavior? What choices honor God as leaders and followers? Joseph chose against sinful wickedness, and God continued to bless him even when treated unjustly.

Lord God, you have gifted some to lead, and others to follow. Help us honor relationships of trust and integrity at home, work, and in the world. May we use our gifts with all our might, and not frustrate other people’s roles as they use their gifts. May we not create temptation for anyone, but respect and encourage one another in ways that glorify you. Amen.

Song of Encouragement: