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The example of Joseph
Genesis 39:6-12
"But he refused. "With me in charge," he told her, "my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?"
(Genesis 39:8-9)
Joseph, a young, physically fit and attractive Hebrew, had already proven himself to be trustworthy and a fine manager. Potiphar was the captain of the guards, one of the toughest and most powerful men in town. Potiphar put Joseph in charge of his household and had complete trust in him.
Potiphar's wife was not used to being turned down by men. Joseph's rejection of her sexual advances puzzled her. She took great pains to ensure that the atmosphere for seduction was perfect. Joseph had already told her that he would consider such an action a "sin against God." He could have merely said it was a sin against his master, or that he didn't believe in affairs, but instead he used her attempts at seduction as a chance to witness about his faith.
Potiphar's wife couldn't understand the concept. She simply could not grasp the idea that a man could refuse her on moral grounds. She set up a romantic environment, with no servants around. She did this to assure Joseph that her husband wouldn't find out. Joseph didn't budge from his principles.
He may well have known how difficult she could make his life for refusing her. Yet he literally ran from the room, leaving his clothing behind. True principles will not bend under any circumstances.
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