There are two passages of scriptures I want to place side by side.  The first is from the Old Testament and the story of Joseph.  He is this tragic hero who begins his life with his brothers hating him and selling him into slavery.  Then he works in the household of a man named Potiphar.  His wife finds Joseph to be an object of her desires and asks him to go to bed with her.  Sexual sin crouched at his door and was calling out to him, but he chose not to be with her and sin.  Within this story comes this one line, “And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.” (Genesis 39:10 -NIV 2011) Mrs. Potiphar came to Joseph day after day. 

Next to that verse, I want to lay a statement made in the New Testament. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1 – NIV 2011) The writer of this passage says that sin “so easily entangles.”  We do not have to search for ways to sin; they will always come to find us. Disobedience to God’s will is quick, easy, and often comes back to us day after day.   

If, as a believer, you have set your mind to follow the teachings of the Bible, then you need to know that it will not be easy.  Walking the way of faith takes perseverance, determination, and a commitment to go against what is easy.   And honestly, from my experience, it is exhausting. 

Each week I go to Church, and God gets me excited about his work in my life.  The music inspires me, communion cleanses my mind, fellowship makes me feels supported, and time in the word is enlightening.  Then on Monday, it is back to the daily grind.  Within that experience, sin will come calling in one form or another again and again.  Each Monday is a chance for me to reset my face to the work of the Lord.  It will not be easy, but it will be the most fulfilling and have the greatest long-term rewards.  Today, when sin calls, I will put up my dukes and start fighting, knowing that it will be an arduous battle, but I believe my soul is worth it.  And, just as a reminder, your soul is too.