#trendingtopic
Trending on Facebook today is a story about Juanita Broaddrick, an alleged victim of rape perpetrated by former President, Bill Clinton, and her response to recent comments made by Chelsea Clinton. In a recent interview Chelsea was asked about how she feels when her father is attacked for his former sexual misconduct, and her mother is accused of covering it up for him. Chelsea stated that it is somewhat of a "tradition" for her family to be attacked, and she doesn't take it too seriously. Broaddrick took issue with this statement, seeing it as a downplaying of a traumatic event from her life, and used the opportunity to promote Donald Trump for president. When we look at both candidates for president, one thing is sadly true: sexual impurity is a large part of both of their lives, or the lives of their families. Unfortunately, this day in age, it would probably be very difficult to find candidates in which this statement couldn't be made.
#scripturetiein
Anyone who has been involved in a situation involving sexual malfeasance knows the pain and brokenness it can cause, not to mention the lasting impact of the publicity of it, if that is the case. The Bible has a LOT to say about the topic. Today we'll look at a couple verses.
1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
This verse is bringing to light that sexual sin, unlike other sins, affects mind, body and soul. We are wholly affected by our sexual choices, and this should be considered as we engage in sexual relationships.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you obstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.
This verse tells us that to "know God" is to follow his will, and his will is that we would be made holy. A HUGE part of holiness is self-control. Gaining control over our human and earthly instincts is key to being sanctified in Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
This verse is for all those who would say they can't help it, or that the "devil made them do it". No true believer should ever utter these words. When we succumb to temptation it is not because we had not choice, or did not have the strength to overcome. We have the strength because we have Christ, and He is our strength. And this verse says He is faithful. He will never allow us to be tempted beyond our means to control it, and will always provide a way out. So, if feel stuck in a sexual cycle of passion, shame and conviction, look around you. I guarantee there is a way out.
#liveit1 Corinthians 6:18
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
This verse is bringing to light that sexual sin, unlike other sins, affects mind, body and soul. We are wholly affected by our sexual choices, and this should be considered as we engage in sexual relationships.
1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you obstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God.
This verse tells us that to "know God" is to follow his will, and his will is that we would be made holy. A HUGE part of holiness is self-control. Gaining control over our human and earthly instincts is key to being sanctified in Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
This verse is for all those who would say they can't help it, or that the "devil made them do it". No true believer should ever utter these words. When we succumb to temptation it is not because we had not choice, or did not have the strength to overcome. We have the strength because we have Christ, and He is our strength. And this verse says He is faithful. He will never allow us to be tempted beyond our means to control it, and will always provide a way out. So, if feel stuck in a sexual cycle of passion, shame and conviction, look around you. I guarantee there is a way out.
Sexual sin, like any sin, is about resisting God to satisfy ourselves. Because we are born into original sin, this will always be lurking in the background. If you struggle with sexual sin, you should remove the points of temptation as much as possible. These days, I know that's hard. We all have internet enabled devices and the days of "keep your computer in the living room" are over. If you have a spouse, talk with your spouse about your struggles and provide them the passwords and controls necessary to help keep you accountable. If not a spouse, then a friend or sibling. This surely is not easy, as this area of life seems so taboo in our society, but God will honor your efforts to keep away from temptation.
When you are tempted, find that way out. Stop. Breathe. Pray. And, look around you. It is never to late to say, "no" and walk away from the situation, no matter what anyone tells you.
Finally, I have written this devotional for those who struggle with engaging actively and willfully in sexual sin, not those who have been victimized by it. If you have participated in sexual sin in a way that was against your consent, there is no condemnation for you. If you struggle with guilt and shame because of this, take a moment now and give that over to God. He can heal those broken areas of your past and make you pure again. That is a promise. Reach out to Him and He will be faithful.
#prayer
When you are tempted, find that way out. Stop. Breathe. Pray. And, look around you. It is never to late to say, "no" and walk away from the situation, no matter what anyone tells you.
Finally, I have written this devotional for those who struggle with engaging actively and willfully in sexual sin, not those who have been victimized by it. If you have participated in sexual sin in a way that was against your consent, there is no condemnation for you. If you struggle with guilt and shame because of this, take a moment now and give that over to God. He can heal those broken areas of your past and make you pure again. That is a promise. Reach out to Him and He will be faithful.
#prayer
Lord, our world is a broken place, torn apart by pride and abuse of power, immorality and shame. Even our most prominent political leaders, those who are vetted and filtered by our votes are often marred by sexual sin. It seems to be a sin, Lord, that many cannot escape. But I know, from your word, that this is not true for those that have You, God. I pray today, Lord, for those who live everyday with this temptation and these struggles. I pray Lord that you gently remind them of the strength they have in you and show them the way out. I pray Lord that I would always remain vigilant about my own purity, never assuming Lord that this could never affect me. Lord, I know it is only by your grace that I am able to avoid this area of sin in my own life. Finally, Lord, I pray for all of those who have been passive victims of someone else's sexual sin. Lord, bring healing to those areas, physical and emotional, that have been broken by this. Show them the love and acceptance that only You can provide, Lord.
Amen
Amen
No comments:
Post a Comment