Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – July 19, 2015
Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes. Proverbs 6:25
Lustful longings lead us away from loving the Lord because our affections become attached to something that is not ours. In the beginning it can seem like innocent flattery, but it quickly grows into emotional attachment. Indeed, our emotions are meant for intimacy with our spouse and none other. Confiding in a beautiful person other than your spouse may feel good, but it is a pseudo solution, a problem waiting to happen.
If you are engaged in a relationship that causes your heart to race and feeds racy fantasies, you need to flee. It may mean your assistant transferring to another department at work or even letting her go. It is flirting with fire to forge ahead in relationships that enflame your lust; so douse the flames with the water of walking away and accountability.
“Can you build a fire in your lap and not burn your pants? Can you walk barefoot on hot coals and not get blisters? It is the same when you have sex with your neighbor’s wife: Touch her and you’ll pay for it. No excuses” (Proverbs 6:27–28 msg).
Furthermore, the Internet can become a contributor to lustful longings, a tool for good which Satan uses for bad. Make sure others monitor your technology so your heart and mind do not meander to illicit images. Install computer software that forces you to be selective in your web surfing, producing a report to be reviewed by an accountability partner.
Moreover, make it your motivation and desire to pursue loving God and loving people. This will crowd out fleshly lusts from your heart. The Bible says, “Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22 nasb). You can do a great kindness for your soul by distancing yourself from sin and detesting the sight of sin. Eyes focused on fidelity, faith, and authentic love lead to freedom empowered by the Holy Spirit.
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16).
Prayer: How can I protect my eyes from lustful images, focusing instead on the beauty of my spouse?
Related Readings: Genesis 39:8–10; Job 31:1–9; Matthew 5:28; 1 Peter 2:11
Post/Tweet this today: Our emotions are meant for intimacy with our spouse and none other. #lust #wisdomhunters
Taken from Two Minutes in the Bible Through Proverbs: You’ll soon be enjoying the benefits of a storehouse of wisdom in your heart. Pre-order Boyd’s newest devotional book coming August 1st! (Learn more about our friends at Harvest House Publishers)
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