16 JUNE

WHO WANTS TO BE A FOOL?  (2)

“But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself.” (Proverbs 6:32)  

Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. Is he a fool? Yes, the Bible says that he is not just a fool but an utter fool. It is destructive, like one gradually cutting off parts of his flesh and enjoying it as he gradually destroys himself.

This brings to mind the medical condition of people with personality disorders that lead to self-harm. This may be just a coping mechanism for anxiety, depression, stress or just a sense of failure. Self-harm is often associated with a history of trauma, including emotional and sexual abuse. In some of these cases, the person cuts his body and allows it to bleed without the intention to commit suicide but which may lead to death if not stopped. That is just what adultery does.

God forgives when we truly repent but consequences and scars may remain forever; for instance, sexually transmitted diseases. Adultery hardens our hearts and leads to destruction of trust and relationships and deep hurts. It jeopardises our relationship with Christ and brings God’s judgement. God forbid!

There is an old and true saying: “Sin always takes you farther than you want to go, keeps you longer than you want to stay, and costs you more than you are willing to pay.”

“God’s will for us is to overcome temptation and walk in purity, but we must humble ourselves by submitting to the wisdom that God gives to us. One significant way we can overcome temptation is by pushing aside our selfish feelings and giving serious consideration to how our behaviour would hinder our walk with the Lord, damage the cause of Christ, and destroy our families and the lives of others.”  (From Christian Broadcasting Network).

ACTION: Determine to work with the grace of God to keep away from self-destruction.

PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for making your grace sufficient for me and your promise that for every temptation you will make a way of escape for me.