I will probably never run a marathon. I know this because I ran a 5K race a few years ago, and I nearly passed out after the event. While the contestants ahead of me seemed to glide across the finish line, I approached it huffing and puffing, red- faced, and with burning lungs!
When Paul commands us to “run from sexual sin” (1 Corinthians 6:18), he’s calling us to exert effort, like I did in my little race. He wants us to dash away, because hanging around may give us time to rationalize what we know is wrong. We may start thinking:
• It’s not hurting anyone. Other people steal, cheat, or lie, so we may think that sleeping around is harmless in comparison. But, the Bible says, “No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18). Don’t be fooled; immoral activity hurts you.
• It’s my body; I can do whatever I want with it. Many people will tell you with a shrug, “It’s your body, sleep around and have a good time.” But, God says, our bodies were “made for [Him], and [He] cares about our bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:13). Since God owns us—scalp to toenails and everything in between—we are not free to use our bodies as we please.
• It’s okay if you’re in love. The Bible plainly states that immorality is sin (Ephesians 5:3). Our emotions and hormones don’t have the power to change God’s standards for purity. It’s a good thing too, because many of us mistake “mutual love” for what is really just plain old lust.
If these thoughts sound familiar, compare them to the truth of God’s Word. Remember, “You must honor God with your body” (1 Corinthians 6:20), and race away from temptation. Run for your life!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 22:30–23:22
More:
Read Genesis 39:10-12 to see an example of someone running from sexual pressure. Read Matthew 5:29-30 to understand how seriously God takes the issue of immorality.
Next:
Why do believers sometimes adopt the world’s standards instead of God’s moral standards? What happens to our relationship with God when we allow immorality to infect our lifestyle?
jstabel on November 12, 2011 at 2:14 am
If only this reminder could reach out to more audience in this our immorality-stricken-world were sex has become virulent.Everybody claiming ownership to his body when Christ has actually paid for it already.
jennifer benson schuldt on November 12, 2011 at 10:00 am
jstabel,
Thanks for your comment. So true, our bodies were “made for the LORD.” That’s why we need to follow God’s rules for taking care of our physical selves. Many people see God’s rules as restrictive and old fashioned. And yet, the Bible says “The LORD cares about our bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:13). He has given us guidelines because He loves us and He cares about what happens to us!
jesusmysaviour on November 12, 2011 at 6:47 am
Such a straight-to-the-point topic. Aside from sexual immorality, people think they own their body so they simply put tattoos, do plastic surgeries, pierce every part of their body, have one night stands, indulge in orgies, get intoxicated with alcohol, use drugs, and smoke cigarettes… It is such a shame knowing that our Heavenly Father sees all of these sinful acts either hidden or out in public. Reminds me of “Sodom and Gomorrah” 🙁 I pray for the cleansing of the Holy Spirit from all these sinful acts.
jennifer benson schuldt on November 12, 2011 at 9:55 am
Yes! Much depends on who we think “owns” our bodies. Is it us, or is it God? Even Christians can begin to believe the world’s message that our bodies are our own. It’s worth our time to stop and consider the question, “Why did God give me a body?”. One main purpose is so that we can use it to serve Him!
jesusmysaviour on November 12, 2011 at 10:59 pm
True. The only meaningful purpose of our life is to serve Him, to live and breathe for Him. I pray that our fellow Christians would not be persuaded or misguided by the world’s message and be steadfast in the faith that is in Jesus Christ. Spiritual war is so prevalent that is why we have to be praying for each other and continually share the word of God like ODJ. Thanks for your message Jennifer. 🙂
R R Kelkar on November 12, 2011 at 10:56 am
An excellent post, Jennifer! It silences three commonly put forth arguments in such a simple and direct manner. We need more such reminders that we are the temple of the living God and we have to keep it holy.
cooldagul on November 12, 2011 at 6:50 pm
pray for me 🙁
tom felten on November 12, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Praying for you, cooldagul. God will never fail you. Trust in His Word. Trust in Him.
cooldagul on November 13, 2011 at 11:07 pm
Thanks Tom 🙂
I’ve been always a FAIL in following this message. And i am afraid God will get mad of my stubborness.
jennifer benson schuldt on November 13, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Prayed for you today–prayed that God would make a clear way of escape from any temptation, and empower you to run away from difficult situations.
cooldagul on November 13, 2011 at 11:08 pm
thank you very much 🙂
God Bless
pri1465 on November 12, 2011 at 9:51 pm
Thanks for your message Jennifer.
I think the problem is with Television. Now in almost every show people change partners like changing clothes. It is nothing. For us who are older we were taught right from wrong and moral values in school, home, church etc. Even when we see it we know it is wrong. It is also distasteful.
But for the younger generation, who see these shows where sex is made out to be glamorous and cool. It is normal. They accept it without thinking and practice it in their own lives too.
I wish there were good family shows on TV like 7th heaven etc. Angels on earth etc.
jennifer benson schuldt on November 13, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Good point. Much popular media has an element of sexuality included in it. Everything from commercials, to television programs, to music events. After being bombarded with it so often, the shock value begins to fade. 🙁 May God help us to reject media that invites us to think in ways that dishonor each other and most of all, God.
eppistle on November 12, 2011 at 11:50 pm
I bought this car from a guy a few years ago. The next day I went out to find my car gone. I called the police to ask them to find my car. That evening, the guy I bought the car from drove my car back to my house and left in my driveway. It was all splattered with mud – both inside and out.
I called out to the guy, “Hey what were you doing with my car?!?!”
He said, “I kept a spare key in case I want to drive it some times.”
That didn’t really happen to me. But I do worse to God when I use my body for things that don’t glorify Him.
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” (I Corinthians 6:19,20).
jennifer benson schuldt on November 13, 2011 at 4:48 pm
Right on, eppistle! When we engage in immorality, we are giving God a front-row seat to our sin, since His Holy Spirit lives in us!