2:125 – Man, She’s Fine. I’d like to …

#faithbites #faithjourney fine

Slight warning as we talk about one of the seven deadly sins: lust.

All of us have those experiences when we see someone we are instantly attracted too. The old joke was you may be married but not dead. Seeing someone who is attractive is one thing, but when you start to imagine more, that’s when it gets dicey.

Some say, what’s the big deal if you fantasize about someone? Who cares if you watch pornography? As long as you aren’t acting on it, no harm right?

The issue is, when we fantasize a little too much, we take away from our relationships here. Our spouse, our love interest, whomever. There is no way our fantasies can live up to reality, so you are now disappointed.

I’m no prude, but just a word of warning that we may be lusting more than we think.

Scripture

• But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. – Matthew 5:28
• For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world – 1 John 2:16
• The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. – Romans 8:6

Reflection

Most of us would say we’ve never committed adultery as we haven’t had a physical relationship with someone outside of our relationship. As we see in Matthew, it doesn’t matter if it was mental or physical. We need to live our lives fully through the spirit, loving God, and loving the people in our relationships.

The problem with lust, is that it starts small then can become all consuming. When you start looking at people as objects rather than people with loves, stories, hopes, and demands. When we treat people as objects, we forget their humanity and then can be cruel to them.

Admiring beauty isn’t a problem. Being in a relationship isn’t a problem. We just need to be aware so we are fair with our love and affection.

Charge

When you see a fine looking man or woman, how do you act? Do you just admit it and move on, our do you start thinking about what it could lead to? This charge is to be honest with yourself. Take time to look at your thoughts and how they may harm your relationships.

Prayer

Lord, help us to admire the beauty of your creation. Let us not give into the sins of the flesh but honor and respect those we are in relationships with. Help us to be mindful always, of how our thoughts impact our relationship with you and your plan for us. In your name, Amen.