Scripture contains numerous examples of men and women who lived lives that exemplified the principles previously described, offering a glimpse of how one may put these principles into practice. One example from the Old Testament is Joseph, Jacob’s son, who was sold into slavery by his brothers. He became the property of Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officers. While he was in Potiphar’s service, Potiphar’s wife became attracted to Joseph and made several advances toward him. On one occasion, she was able to get close enough to try to grab Joseph but only came away with his garment as Joseph ran out. She then falsely accused Joseph of accosting her, and Joseph was thrown into prison. Although the story of Joseph did not end there, he showed strong moral character, demonstrating unbending ethical behavior by refusing the advances of Potiphar’s wife. He endured unjust imprisonment while he patiently waited on God, his source of hope.
In the New Testament, the disciples of Jesus lived out their faith in Christ, only to die in shame as martyrs. Most died by crucifixion — Peter, it is reported, was crucified upside down — and one died in exile. This exiled disciple, the Apostle John, was banished to the prison island of Patmos in the last years of his life, where he was sentenced to slave labor quarrying stone. While there, he wrote the Revelation and the epistles of 1st, 2nd and 3rd John. He was the apostle described as “the one Jesus loved,” yet he lived a life of hardship and imprisonment. John submitted to such a life of burden and pain because of his undying faith in his Savior, his abiding love for Him, and the hope Christ provided. From this, it is easy to see why he had the moral fiber and the ethical stamina necessary to faithfully perform his work in the quarry and obediently write the words of his Lord. None of these disciples were considered important in society, yet God used them to start a movement that spread worldwide.
The Christian life is one of service and love, demonstrated by its moral principles and ethical lifestyle. Many times, the Christian is called upon to come to the aid of those who are hurting, downcast, sick or without hope. It is often not glamorous, nor does it bring fame and riches, but following Christ is the most spiritually rewarding life imaginable. The privilege of sharing God’s love with people who need it by showing the moral values taught in the Bible and applying them through ethical actions is immeasurable. The reward of watching people blossom into hope-filled believers is hard to describe.
