We live in a tremendously sexualized culture. Sexual sin is a natural result.

Sexual sins are some of the things that destroy families and their ability to have radical faith for generations.

But sex is not the real issue behind sexual sin.

Really, it’s not.

Sexual sin happens because believers who once walked close with their LORD (or perhaps never did) have lost their joy in Him. That is where every sexual sin begins, without fail.

So how does our sexualized culture figure into that? By pushing sex (a naturally appealing thing) into the forefront of our minds and attention, to the degree that we become more enamoured with it (a created thing) than we do the joy that comes from walking closely with our LORD (the Creator).

Do you see the tragedy of that?

We’re trading the popsicle for the stick, preferring a kazoo over a stradivarius, delighting in the thing instead of the One who created it.

Are you in the danger zone?

Don’t answer this question by looking at the presence or absence of sexually titillating stuff in your world.

Answer it by how passionately drawn to Jesus you are.

He is the antidote and prevention for sexual sin, and the closer you are to Him, the farther from sexual sins you will find yourself.

So, are you in the danger zone? Are you?

Resist the temptation to point to your church attendance, or Bible reading, or faithfulness to serve in church or the community, or accountability software on your computer as “reasons” why you’re not in the danger zone.

Those things are good and likely wise things to have as a part of your life, but they don’t matter a bit when it comes to avoiding sexual temptation — not really.

What matters is how closely you are walking with Jesus, how consistently you are abiding in Him.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me che is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. – John 15:1-6

 

What will you do to get yourself to a place of sexual safety?

What will you do to intentionally, deliberately, in suffering if you must, get back on track in your relationship with Jesus?

There’s no price too high. Really, there’s not. If you don’t draw near to Jesus, your enemy the devil will get you with some kind of temptation. It may not be sexual sin, but you can mark my words, he will get you so wrapped up in something sinful that you won’t know what happened.

Draw near to Jesus.

For His sake.

For your sake.

For the sake of your children.

For the sake of their children, and their children, and their children.

Your passionate pursuit of Jesus today will set the course for generations who come after you. Isn’t it worth it?

This issue really comes down to what you love.

What DO you love?

The sensational? The fantastic? The immediate? The trendy? The popular? The fun? What others think of you?

You’ve got to love Jesus more. You’ve got to.

The video below is by a guy named Derek Webb. He used to sing with Caedmon’s Call, years back. Since then he’s released quite a few of his own solo albums, many of them very controversial, mainly because he’s willing to tackle some tough issues in a straight-forward way. You won’t agree with everything he writes and sings about, but on this one, he’s got it right.

The song is called, “The Spirit VS The Kick Drum.”

Here’s my challenge to you: Listen/watch the video and follow along with the lyrics below it. Try to get Derek’s point that many, many things compete for our love and allegiance, but Jesus has to be number one.

Then decide what you will do to make Jesus the greatest desire of your life.

 

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