TODAY'S BIBLE READING:
Exodus 21:22-23:13
Matthew 24:1-28
Psalm 29:1-11
Proverbs 7:6-23
BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:
Psalm 29:2 "Honor the LORD for the glory of his name. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness."
REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):
REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):
In our reading for the day in Proverbs, a very descriptive scene is painted by Solomon as he speaks to his son.
As we listen, he tells his son that there was a time when he was sitting in his home, peering through the curtain at those who were walking in the street. Very soon, a group of guys walked by and Solomon's eyes focused on one particular young man in the group. He assessed that the man appeared to lack common sense. (We're not sure what the guy was doing but he was putting off a vibe that made it clear he was capable of doing something utterly stupid.)
As that young man walked along the street, a married, promiscuous woman caught his eye. Their eyes met. She called out to him and her intentions were clear. She claimed that her husband was away and wouldn't be back for at least a week or two.
The night was falling, the woman looked seductive, and the young man's sexual passions came alive. So, he threw morality and caution to the wind and indulged.
Solomon then says:
This warning is relevant to every warm-blooded male. It may not be a seductive woman who calls to us from her doorway. Maybe it's a sexual scene on a movie we're watching. Maybe it's an ad that pops up on our computer screen that presents a scantily clad woman. Maybe it's the sensuous pictures in the mall store that remind us that Victoria isn't good at keeping secrets. The possibilities are endless.
As followers of the Lord, we must be like Job when he said: "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman." (Job 31:1).
In doing so, we are denying ourselves what may appear to be pleasurable in the moment. Yet, it will spare us the plethora of negative consequences in the long-run.
As I conclude, let me provide a list of some long-term negative consequences to sexual sin (especially as it relates to men) with a desire that this list would make us think twice before violating God's command to abstain from adultery:
As we listen, he tells his son that there was a time when he was sitting in his home, peering through the curtain at those who were walking in the street. Very soon, a group of guys walked by and Solomon's eyes focused on one particular young man in the group. He assessed that the man appeared to lack common sense. (We're not sure what the guy was doing but he was putting off a vibe that made it clear he was capable of doing something utterly stupid.)
As that young man walked along the street, a married, promiscuous woman caught his eye. Their eyes met. She called out to him and her intentions were clear. She claimed that her husband was away and wouldn't be back for at least a week or two.
The night was falling, the woman looked seductive, and the young man's sexual passions came alive. So, he threw morality and caution to the wind and indulged.
Solomon then says:
"He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life." (Proverbs 7:22-23)In other words, this guy was an idiot. He enjoyed in the moment what would destroy him in the long-term.
This warning is relevant to every warm-blooded male. It may not be a seductive woman who calls to us from her doorway. Maybe it's a sexual scene on a movie we're watching. Maybe it's an ad that pops up on our computer screen that presents a scantily clad woman. Maybe it's the sensuous pictures in the mall store that remind us that Victoria isn't good at keeping secrets. The possibilities are endless.
As followers of the Lord, we must be like Job when he said: "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman." (Job 31:1).
In doing so, we are denying ourselves what may appear to be pleasurable in the moment. Yet, it will spare us the plethora of negative consequences in the long-run.
As I conclude, let me provide a list of some long-term negative consequences to sexual sin (especially as it relates to men) with a desire that this list would make us think twice before violating God's command to abstain from adultery:
- It breaks one of the 10 Commandments - "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14). Simply looking to lust is equated with adultery (Matthew 5:28).
- It distorts the value of women (they are seen as objects to be consumed rather than valuable creations of God to be treasured).
- It can be addictive.
- It can destroy marriages.
- It can devastate children who must live with the consequences of someone else's sin.
- It puts a massive wedge between us and God so that we cannot enjoy fellowship with Him.
- It takes away our joy and replaces it with guilt.
- It robs us of the blessings that God desires to send our way but refuses to do so until we make things right.
- It causes others to lose respect for us (lose our testimony) if they become aware of our sin.
This list could go on and on but you get the idea. Sin is bad news every time. When we realize what we settle for as opposed to what God is offering us, it is insane that we often choose sin.
But, Jesus' Cross is our ticket to victory. As we drop to our knees in confession and repentance, we will be free to experience God's forgiveness. (Make sure that you receive God's forgiveness as He gives it.) Also, the cross reminds us that we have died with Christ and we are a new person. So, depending upon Jesus' strength in us, we must refuse to engage in this sin. Instead, we should replace it with other passions that please the Lord.
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