Have you ever thought about how beating the red light is not caused by misinterpreting the red light itself (because we all know it means STOP) , but by misinterpreting the yellow light? As a popular joke goes, many people now think that the yellow light means “hurry up and beat the red light”, rather than “slow down”.
It’s the same with our perspective of sex and intimacy. We may have a clear understanding of God’s design for marriage and sexual purity, yet still misinterpret the other things leading to it.
“Sure, I’ll save sex until marriage; but anything less than that is okay, right?”
Well… No.
Sexual and physical purity—these things are undeniably crucial, but what about other aspects of purity? What about our thoughts? Our emotions? Our friendships?
When Paul said to “flee from sexual immorality” (1 Cor. 6:18), he does not just mean the act of fornication. In Galatians 5:19, he described sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery (and in some translations, ‘lustful pleasures’ or ‘lustfulness’) as “the acts of the flesh”. And in Matthew 5:28, Jesus clearly says that “anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (emphasis mine).
Nowhere in these verses can we find that sexual activities are the only signs or acts of impurity. We are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19). Not just our physical bodies, but the entirety of our lives. That includes our thoughts and feelings for other people, our deepest desires, our priorities, our overall attitude. So why must “staying pure” be confined to only sexual activities?
Let this be a reminder that Jesus is not just concerned with our physical lives. He is Lord over all, and He deserves to have our all.
The yellow light is not just a reminder to stay out of or “beat” the red light; but to slow down so we can enjoy the freedom that the green light allows.
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Post by Jessamine Pacis, TLW volunteer. Jessamine is a writer, soon-to-be law student, and forgiven child of God. A proud INFP, she can usually be found daydreaming or consuming copious amounts of cereal at any time of the day. She prattles about random musings and her imperfect (yet beautiful) journey with Christ at itsjesss.wordpress.com.
We have to control ourselves from temptations. We can say we are a christian but not all christians cannot be tempted. We have to beware! True Love Waits. 🙂 God Bless!