…sexual sin is presented in the darkest colours. It is a squandering of powers that were designed for the founding of a true family that should be one’s own, and close-knit, and divinely blessed (5:9-23). It is an exchange of true intimacy for its parody (5:19, 20), a parting with one’s honour (5:9, 6:33) and liberty (23:27, 28). It is to throw away one’s best years (5:9, 11) and possibly one’s last possessions (29:3; 6:26…). It is to court physical danger and social disgrace (6:26, 32-35); and this is not all. Those who think to explore life this way are flirting with death. It is no mere detour from the best path but, in the fullest sense, a dead-end: ‘for her house sinks down to death, and her paths to the shades; none who go to her come back nor do they regain the paths of life’ (2:18, 19, RSV). To change the figure, it is a sin which sears the sinner inescapably: ‘Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk upon hot coals, and his feet not be scorched?’ (see 6:27-29, 33b).
This is a sobering reminder — another of the kinds of truths that must be our meditation and preoccupation of our hearts as we battle against temptation in its many forms.
1 comment:
"It is an exchange of true intimacy for its parody..."
Great post, Terry.
In our modern age of loose morality, people just don't see this obvious truth. As Romans says, they "...changed the truth of God into a lie..." Romans 1:25.
God's plan for sexual intimacy is being ignored and we see the fruit of man's deeds everywhere. (i.e. many STDs, pornography, sexual addictions, aids, just to name a few social ills)
Truly, our world needs saving. This observation alone should drive all Christians to their knees.
Be sure to visit my blog at www.anonymousdiscipleship.blogspot.com
Thanks.
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