AS LONG AS EVERYONE'S JUST HAVING FUN
IT’S ONE THING to remain physically pure by not engaging in sex outside of marriage or having an extramarital affair. It’s quite another thing to remain emotionally pure-not to flirt with another man, become emotionally attached to him, or talk with him about topics appropriate only between a husband and wife. Too often we ignore these "lesser" acts of impurity and justify them by saying "we haven’t actually done anything." But Jesus said we are guilty all the same if we let impure thoughts infiltrate our minds (see Matthew 5:28).
What sets Christians apart from the rest of the world is not a list of "do’s and don’ts." It’s our hearts. Is it time for us to undergo a spiritual cardiogram so the Great Physician can diagnose any heart disorders? Consider taking these steps:
- Ask God to monitor your motives and attitudes regarding your sexuality. God gets to the heart of the matter-your motives, thoughts, attitudes. Take a realistic look at why you dress or act the way you do. What are your communicating about yourself and why?
- Decide ahead of time to excuse yourself from questionable conversations at work. Set some boundaries for yourself, lines you will not cross, and stick to them. Your first boundary shouldn’t be physical touch (that’s already too far)-it should be guarding your thoughts and your conversations. That will help protect you from acting on impure thoughts.
- Refuse to demean your sexuality by using it to manipulate people and situations. Let’s face it-as women, our sexuality can be a powerful weapon. Will you abuse it, or will you use it for good? It’s all too easy to spin your behavior in such a way that you can justify anything. Flirting is OK as long as it gets you the job. Fantasizing is OK as long as don’t act on it. False!
- Get practical. Be accountable to a Christian girlfriend or mentor for your physical and emotional purity. Be completely honest with each other.
"FOR THE LORD SEARCHES EVERY HEART
AND UNDERSTANDS EVERY DESIRE
AND EVERY THOUGHT" 1 Chronicles 28:9
In Christ,
Janet Irene Thomas
Playwright/Director/Screen Writer
Producer/Gospel Lyricist/Author
Founder/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts
