Monday, March 16, 2009

Guard against lust

"Above all...guard your heart." Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Jesus said, "Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Mt 5:28 NIV). Why did Jesus say this? Because every lustful glance damages your marriage bond. The less you desire your mate, the more you'll look for things in them to justify your fantasies. And the saddest part is, you'll never know how good your marriage could have been.To win, you must decide once and for all to be fully committed to God.

Here are three Scriptures you need to live by:
(1) "I have made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully" (Job 31:1 NIV). Before David got into trouble with Bathsheba we read: "He saw a woman bathing...inquired about the woman...and took her" (2Sa 11:2-4 NKJV). Pay close attention to the progression: "saw", "inquired," "took." If what you're looking at is not yours, pull your eyes away immediately.

(2) "Take captive every thought...make it obedient to Christ" (2Co 10:5 NIV). Police your mind. Instead of giving in to your daydreams or the internet or magazines, etc. fill your mind with God's Word and memories of your best moments with your mate. "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee" (Ps 119:11).

(3) "Above all...guard your heart." Work on strengthening your bond with your mate. Decide to love even when you don't feel like it, and your love will begin to blossom. And if you need to, find someone who can help you. "A brother is born for adversity" (Pr 17:17). Sometimes the difference between victory and defeat can be as little as five or ten minutes on the telephone, talking and praying with someone who understands.

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