[Wisdom of Solomon] Protecting Your Marriageنموونە

Run! Run! Run!

As children, most of the lessons we learn are from experience. The first time we touch a hot stove or iron, we never touch it again. The first time we run into the sliding glass door, we always slow down on the way out and check if it’s open. But as we got older, when someone told us not to do something, we trusted them. We might have been curious to know why, but we trusted that it was wise not to use a hairdryer in the shower or bathtub.

The Bible is very clear about sexual sin and sin in general. It tells us to flee from it. Paul told the believers in Corinth to abstain from sexual immorality. Scripture tells us that sins of sexuality are sins against our bodies. You can’t stop things from appearing before you, but you can look the other way. Martin Luther once said, “You cannot keep birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.” You mustn’t play with sexual temptation or even get close to it.

Imagine that a hungry tiger is waiting outside the nearest door. Would you go to that door? Would you dare open it? You know the tiger is there, and it doesn’t want to play. You know it’s hungry. That hungry tiger is sin. Sin looks harmless, but that’s because there is a door in between. You giving into temptation is opening the door, and sin wants to do nothing but kill you. It’s hungry and never satisfied.

You need to keep every door of temptation shut in your marriage at all costs. Run from the knocks on the door. If you give in, nothing good is waiting for you. Here's the good news: the Lord always provides a way out of temptation. The Lord doesn’t tempt you; it is the sin within you that tempts you. It is the flesh wanting nothing of God and everything of the world. God wants you to choose long-lasting joy instead of temporary pleasure. He wants you to choose Him. He wants you to see that He has life in abundance. All you need to do is ask and partake in it.

Thought for today: How many doors have you opened to temptation? Where have you chosen temporary pleasure instead of long-lasting joy?