It’s easy to do a good deed once. One-Hit-Wonders are pretty common. It is much harder to be consistent and steady.
I recently re-read the book of Genesis in the Bible, and I was struck by the admirable character and consistency of Joseph.
Of course, the story of Joseph is well-known. I love to read it. It is full of drama and fascinating turns. The part about Joseph and Potiphar’s wife is must-see-tv. And that episode peaks with Joseph’s convicting statement in reply to her request for sex when he declares to her “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Gen.39:9)
What a scene! What a response! What a man! What conviction! What discipline! What Self-control!
However, for as awesome as that story is, it is just once. Again, anyone can do a good deed once. Anyone can resist temptation once.
What is much, much more impressive is the next verse, Genesis 39:10 “And as she spoke to Joseph day after day, he would not listen to her, to lie beside her or to be with her.”
Day after day! That is strong! That is impressive.
Doing something great once is nice. But being faithful consistently is much harder. Much more impressive. Steady and Consistent is so admirable and honorable.
Many people have resisted temptation once. May God’s grace lead us to consistently say No to temptation Day after day.