Although the subject applies to us all, it is especially helpful to our young people, growing up in such a society as we now have.
We learn how the Bible deals with purity in relationships, and how it is such a 'tender flower'. At Creation, man and woman were created 'good' in the sight of God, but the Fall changed it all. Sin came in, and following such a critical
failure God's judgement followed.
Lust, we discover, is not love! That mystery, that chemistry, that exists when two people of the opposite sex are attracted to one another goes beyond just a physical attraction. True love means more. It involves a clear act of the will,
it means an 'exclusive' committment, a determination to share burdens and concerns, to be prepared to sacrifice for the good of the other, to stay the course, and much more beside.
We must guard our imagination, wrong sexual unions, and unwholesome behaviour. We need to police our thinking, and be aware of the things we expose ourselves to, such as images on tv and in the media.
Cultivate a capacity to love, and endeavour to show self-control, which is indeed a 'fruit of the Spirit'.
Jesus Christ is our greatest example: deny lusts and selfish ambitions, learn to be forgiving and compassionate. Show gentleness, and seek to develop that Christlikeness which will bring us closer to God. May He so help us. |
