“All the best things in life are immoral, illegal, or fattening." Sex outside of marriage is alleged to be more exciting. Ignoring the law seems the expedient way to get things done. Junk food is full of fats and sugars and McD’s wealth proves its appeal. Believing those lies, too many Christians spend a ton of spiritual energy fighting off temptation dutifully, but without enthusiasm. As they do the right things in life, somewhere deep inside they are thinking that it would be fun to step outside the boundaries carefully drawn around their choices.
The truth is that God's ways are the paths of life! I read a study on sexual fulfillment that revealed that people who are married and faithful to their spouse on average enjoy sexual intimacy more frequently than those who are supposedly liberated from the 'bondage' of marriage! Sex/pornography addicts are a sad lot; full of shame. They engage in superficial relationships that cannot begin to be as fulfilling as deep, lasting ones. I've seen the wreckage that results when a husband/father abandons his family to find some 'real fun.' The deception is just that, a mirage.
Illegality exacts a price, too. Oh, yes, it is true that some ignore the rules of society and seem to get away with it. God’s principle remains true, however. Justice will come! "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:7-9, NIV)
As for what we put into our bodies, let’s talk about those commercials for beer that are ubiquitous during football season. In those 30 sec. video stories, a ‘cold one’ becomes the avenue to social success and great fun. All of the actors are smiling, thin, and surrounded with beautiful people! Never shown is the big beer belly, the ugliness of alcoholism, or the smashed car of an intoxicated teenager on his way home from a party! Yet the deception persists. Having a good time must include a drink, or two, or three.
Temptation is never defeated by higher fences or stronger restraints. Temptation loses its luster when we see through it. So, let the Spirit of God plant a new vision in you! Instead of longing to step over the line, become convinced that “In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.” (Proverbs 12:28, NKJV) The Psalmist prays, “Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:24, NLT) Josh McDowell uses a phrase - "God is no cosmic killjoy!" He wants to lead us to a full life that is lived without regrets and that ultimately ends on this earth with a move into His Presence for eternity. We need the wisdom only the Holy Spirit can give that allows us to see through the fog and deception of Satan so we will choose the way of life.
"Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—
the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.
Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."
(Philippians 4:8-9, The Message)
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