JESUS SPEAKING
“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘you shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Mathew 5: 27 – 28.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Pornography was as prevalent in ancient times as it is today. Archaeologists have uncovered rooms in many Roman homes, set apart for sexual debauchery; the walls and ceilings are covered with inappropriate images. Scholars have also discovered tens of thousands of sensual stone carvings; men and women, unclothed and objectified; some are small enough to be carried around; likely an ancient form of mobile pornography. Similar sexually explicit images and carvings can be found in every culture and generation: India, Asia, Egypt, Peru, the Americas and even Europe. And yet, despite the popularity of pornography, it is never proper, profitable, or permissible. Every lingering glance and intense gaze has consequences. Improper lust separates individuals from God, and is therefore a grave and damaging activity. Proper lust however, is a wonderful part of God’s design; in fact, lusting after a God given companion is encouraged by The Lord. Physical attraction between a husband and wife is an integral part of a healthy marriage.
As expected, improper lusting can bring about some very damaging consequences. ‘At a 2003 meeting of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, two thirds of the 350 divorce lawyers who attended said the Internet played a significant role in the divorces in the past year; with excessive interest in online pornography contributing to more than half of such cases.’ Also, ‘nearly 57% of pastors say that addiction to pornography is the most sexually damaging issue to their congregations.’ Despite God’s command to refrain from indulging in pornography, many still seek to justify their disobedience; ‘29% of professing born again Christian adults in the U.S. feel it is morally acceptable to view movies with explicit sexual behavior.’ However, no amount of rationalization will ever make pornography acceptable. To view erotic materials is to transgress against the commandments of God.
Improper lust and pornography are spiritually, mentally, and morally debilitating. They separate the believer from God; they destroy marriages and rip apart families; they promote promiscuity, lewdness, and idolatry. Today, we have a choice; do we engage in those things that God has condemned? Or do we disobey our Lord and continue in sin? Trust in Jesus Christ and turn away from the lust of the flesh, and you will walk in genuine fellowship with the everlasting God.
“Lord Heavenly Father, we seek clean hearts and pure minds. Remove the lust from our hearts. If anyone is struggling with pornography, or any other sexual sin, we ask that You empower them to overcome their addictions, that they may once again know true purity and holiness. Without You Father, we can do nothing; may our increased wholesomeness be a work of Your hands; that you alone might receive honor and glory. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
Jesus Speaks 