Rev. Rob Henderson
Shelby Wesleyan Church
https://www.angelfire.com/mi2/robhenderson/
robnaomi@oceana.net
March 6, 2000
What do we do as Christians when a brother or sister falls off the wall and into sexual indiscretion? What do we do when we have looked up to them with high regard and suddenly they take a tumble? How do we respond when the situation is one of peers? Where are we in regard to what has happened to them? Are we on the wrong highway?
These circumstances goes with being a part of the body of Christ. Sin is sin and should not be justified whatever the circumstances. We need to understand that first of all just because we are Christian and entirely sanctified doesn't mean that we cease to be human. Temptation to sin is what Satan does every day. Secondly, we must realize that we are powerless to his evils. Our strength to overcome must come from the Holy Spirit. Thirdly, our disciplined life is no replacement for a heart-to-heart relationship with God. Just because you have the spiritual disciplines in place does not exempt you from being tempted.
So what do we do?
1. Examine your treasure chest. What is in your heart? Are you harboring sin somewhere? Is there a little luxury apartment that no one knows that you go into when nobody is looking? God, your family, and your call to His service is what you treasure. Anything else- money, materials, power, position- is of this world and should be left out.
2. Get accountablility or even counseling. If you are addicted to pornography or other similar materials (isn't it amazing how we can parse the meanings of words to commit our sins) see a trusted friend or even your minister. Get help right away. Don't put your faith and witness and family at risk any longer! If you are pestered with temptation get a friend to hold you accountable for what you view on the internet or television or what you read. "Avoid that which is evil cling to that which is good." If your temptation is addiction serious counseling is likely needed. Don't hesitate. Don't play games. Your relationship with God and your family is too important.
3. Re-assess your commitments. Are you over-committed? Are you committed to the wrong things? Is there something that puts you in harm's way? A wrong relationship at work? A wrong place to go? You are better to shop elsewhere, eat somewhere else or even get a different job than to suffer the tragedy of losing what you treasure most.
4. Be aware of your relationships. Emotional feelings can develop even between good Christians who find themselves working together on legitimate projects. Watch out for the emotional attachments either through E-mail or in church or at the restaurant. Guard your heart and mind.
5. Pray for deliverance and protection. Pray that God will keep you safe and give you the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the wiles of the enemy of the soul. Satan doesn't generally do a Pickett's Charge at your soul but he attacks stealthily, behind the lines in the cloak of righteousness. Beware!
I may sound extreme about this issue of sexual temptation but I believe that we must always be on our guard. And if you aren't then post no trespassing signs around your heart and defend those boundaries with God's Word, right relationships with your spouse, and/or proper relationships with other people.
If you have any comments or questions feel free to E-mail. If you need to, call me for an appointment or see a pastor of your choice of whom you can candidly discuss this issue
For more insightful articles on this topic please consider Kieth Drury's Writings.
Great stuff! Handle with care.
