The standard we use to make decisions about such serious questions is the word of God. We are not at liberty to decide for ourselves when God has spoken in the matter. His word is the authority. None of us are wise enough to counsel God

So now, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house; and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.”

Potiphar was aware of the presence of the Lord in Joseph’s life. (39:3) He rose in rank to become the personal servant of Potiphar and was given oversight of everything he owned. He was only concerned with what he ate. (39:6) Joseph had by this time been in Potiphar’s house for about 10 years. Then it happened!

“Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age. He made him a coat of many colors.” (Gen 37:3) Their hatred was first keyed up by his father’s partiality for Joseph. They hated the ‘daddy’s little boy’ status which he enjoyed in their father’s affection. (Gen 37:4)

Joseph becomes one of the most outstanding men of the Bible. His story begins as a young man at home with older grown brothers. His is a story of one who went from pit to palace and from rags to riches. This story never loses its appeal to young and old alike; even today. As a young man Joseph never looses his integrity; but always keeps his record clean before all and his God.

“Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. Before our Father’s throne we pour our ardent prayers; our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares. We share our mutual woes, our mutual burdens bear; and often for each other flows the sympathizing tear.” (HfW, #302)

Having said all the above the Apostle Paul says all addictions are not bad. “You know about Stephanas and his family; they are the first Christian converts in Achaia and have given themselves to the service of God’s people…” (1 Cor. 16:15) This is a good addiction.

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1)

Paul calms our fears by telling us to hold fast to the faithful and sound word; be steadfast and unmovable; always abounding in the work of the Lord.

God has not given us a spirit of shyness; but of power and love and discipline” (1 Tim 1:7) “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim 2:1) Do you think Paul is passing on the torch to Timothy?