Tape marked “Danger! Do Not Enter” is sometimes strung across or around an area that should not be entered. Nevertheless, there are some who think they can do so safely and end up falling, injuring themselves, or even losing their life. Understanding where the line is drawn and for what purpose is important to acknowledge.
Many people draw lines of which they tell themselves they would never cross over. They may participate in activities that could create an opportunity for temptation, but they have “confidently” established a line they claim they just would never cross. The danger, however, is how close to that line they seem to remain. Doing so presents the potential danger of falling or getting pushed or pulled over the line and more often than not that seems to occur. Many end up going further into something than they thought they ever would simply because they did not keep a safe distance. Our aim should not be to see how close we can get to the danger, but rather how far away from it we can remain. This is no more true than in the area of sexual temptation.
For the youth reading this, let me caution you to not even begin to dabble with pornography. Don’t even get started down that road. I urge you to even be very selective regarding the movies you watch and the places you go with the opposite sex. There is enough temptation around us without going and setting ourselves up for more. You, like many others (adults included) may have drawn a distinct line, but it is far too easy for one thing to lead to another when one fails to stay as far away from the temptation as possible.
Paul urged. . .
“(3) But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints.” (Ephesians 5:3 ESV)
The Greek “be named” (onomazo), denotes “to name, mention, or address by name.” [Vine’s Exp. Dict. Of N.T. Words] The New International Versions reads “among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality. . . .” We ought to live our life so that others would not even consider the possibility of such being a part of our life. That’s how far our life should be removed from this sin and anything else contrary to God’s Will. Let us not be guilty of drawing ourselves or others even close to such lines. Our manner of life should be such that the label of such activities could in no way be associated with us.
Instead, Paul urged. . .
“(22) So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22 ESV)
Don’t walk — run! Get away! Keep away! “Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thessalonians 5:22 ESV) Wisdom is exercised in seeking to keep our life as far removed from the sin that so easily ensnares (Hebrews 12:1) as we can. These warnings are all for our benefit. May we heed them as we continually exercise proper discernment in life.
Have a great day INCREASING THE DISTANCE FROM TEMPTATION!
Carl
