May 9th

Lost in Passion

Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 1 Corinthians 6:18

What's the problem? It's my body. I can do with it whatever I want to!

Our culture is trying to justify their extramarital sexual relationships as somehow okay. You know, God's Word on the matter should be enough for us. He said it. We do it. But there are reasons behind His instructions that are for our good, and I'll give you three of them.

First, unguarded passion leads to pain. Paul had just finished telling the Corinthians that fornicators, adulterers, homosexuals, and sodomites will not inherit the kingdom of God. This is pain to the most extreme degree-eternal pain-but it's not the only pain that comes with unguarded passion. The pain now is the hole we're trying to fill with all those relationships, but no one can fill that hole except Jesus. Trying to fill the hole with relationships only deepens it as we break our heart over and over again.

Second, unguarded passion has a powerful progression. Do you remember the first time you held hands? It was pretty exhilarating that first time, but not for long after that. Soon you put your arm around the girl. Then there's the first kiss, and of course that only revs your engine for more. If you never put up guards, you will quickly find yourself going all the way. And when you've gone all the way, you're as confused as ever, because it wasn't the fulfillment you were looking for.

Third, unguarded passion leads to perversion. The Corinthians tried to justify their sexual hunger by comparing it to their hunger for food. When I want food, I eat. When I want sex, I go get it.

Paul responded, saying that God will one day do away with both food and your stomach, but your body and what you attach to it remains forever because you are the temple of God. Are you really going to go join yourself to a harlot? Are you really going to join yourself to someone who's willing to give themselves to you without first committing to a lifelong marriage?

There is ruin on the road of unguarded passion. Don't waste one of the greatest gifts God has given you. Guard yourself, choose Jesus, be whole, and be blessed.

Prayer Lord Jesus,

Your Word is very clear on the values I should hold regarding my sex life. I repent for the ways I have violated Your plan for my sexual relationships. Please help me stay on the right path and experience the blessings You have for when I follow You!

Amen