The Good Of The Father (Love And Lies)

 

For everything that is in the world, the desire of the flesh, and the desire of the eyes, and the ostentation of living, is not of the Father, but is of the world 

First Epistle of John 2: 16, Concordant New Testament 

A lot of this weeks discussion amongst our group has been on that physical relationship between a man and a woman.  Now, this is something which I have definitely dealt with in my own past.  I have even come across a few believers who boldly claim that the Father meant for His children to indulge in their  physical relationships.  While this is obviously true in the marriage relationship, I believe that it certainly isn't to be had in those outside of marriage.  For there is plenty of scripture evidence which one could point to which speaks to the Lords plan for these relationships {Matthews Account 5:28, Paul to the Corinthians (1) 6:13}.  In most Christian circles, it has been understood that the physical relationship between man and woman has been ordained for marriage.  But even believers fall short in this area, I did.  But let's go a bit deeper down that rabbit hole and speak not to sex, but to our own THOUGHTS of it.  Jesus Himself has warned us of the dangers of gazing upon a woman with the sexual intentions {Matthews Account 5:28}.  This is not love.  This was the beginning of our discussion this week.  How are we supposed to cast eyes upon a woman we find so very attractive?  Well, I would say that we should check ourselves when it comes to our intentions.  What is it that we are hoping to gain from a relationship with her?  If our thoughts are for physical enjoyment, then I would suggest that we're on the wrong path.  However, if we are gazing upon her and the beauty which the Father has created, then I do not see an issue with that.  As I've mentioned, my own past has been littered with thoughts of women which the Father I'm sure would definitely not approve.  You don't sit in a strip club and look upon women to admire the Lords creation.  That being said, it has taken me quite some time to renew my mind in this area through the revelation of the Father.  To realize that the women I encounter are not there simply for my own enjoyment.  Sadly, modern culture has labeled sexual intimacy in all forms as love.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Women are, as we are, a child of God.  I don't hold a monopoly on living in the love of the Father.  For we were all created in the Fathers likeness {Genesis 1:27}.  Indeed, how is it that the Father would look upon our thoughts of intimacy with one of His daughters?  That more than anything should be a reason not to indulge in such things.  

Flee from prostitution.  The penalty of every sin, whatsoever a man should be doing, is outside of the body, yet he who is committing prostitution is sinning against his own body

Paul to the Corinthians 6: 18, Concordant New Testament 

Back in the day, it was the threat of sexually transmitted diseases which made many people stop and consider their actions before engaging in a physical relationship.  Yet through the progress of medical technology and the lies of the mainstream media, many today consider these risks to be minimal.  It is no secret that our modern society celebrates those who engage in such relationships.  All someone needs to do is look at popular movies and television to see that in action.  But the apostle John warns us of that which is in the world {First Epistle of John 2:16}.  With that I agree.  Now for the kicker.  Is it not God Who has not only created us in His own likeness, but also with the thoughts and desires which we experience?  Yes!  But, knowing this, how is it that we utilize those thoughts and desires?  Do we utilize them in order to gain pleasure for ourselves only?  Because that is the very definition of selfishness.  To be so self centered that our only thought is for our immediate pleasure.  Well, that is what lust is!  To look upon a Father created individual with only thoughts of how it is she could please us.  Like I've said, I've been there.  It doesn't take long before we no longer see a woman as being God created, but simply someone simply there for our own enjoyment.  This is what we have seen in our modern culture.  Sadly, many believers have become involved in these thoughts of the world as well.  The news is filled with stories of Christian pastors who have fallen into sexual immorality.  It is indeed a equal opportunity destroyer.  Do I wish that I never would have engaged in such behaviors?  Yes.  But I also am thankful for the revelation of the Father for showing me His true intentions for the desires He has created within me.  

~Scott~