As their relationship deepens, so does their desire for each other. They haven’t talked about it, but in the quiet moments when they’re apart, each wonders what the next step will be in their physical relationship.
I thought of them today as, in my quest to read through the Bible in a year, I read these words in Job:
“If my heart has been enticed by another woman, or if I have lurked at my neighbor’s door, . . . that would be wickedness; yet, it would be iniquity deserving of judgment. For that would be a fire that consumes to destruction, and would root out all my increase” (Job 31:9-12).
Jason and Addison may acknowledge the dangers of an unplanned pregnancy and take measures to prevent it. They may consider what others might think about them if word gets out they’ve slept together. They may even weigh the possibility that their relationship may one day end, and they’ll regret their decision. But they may not have considered this very important truth:
God punishes sexual sin.
Those who commit sexual sin, whether it’s fornication (sex between singles) or adultery (sex with a married partner) seldom consider what God thinks about sex outside of marriage. Yet God’s Word is very clear: “the body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Lord,” (1 Cor. 6:12).
Because Christ lives inside believers, committing sexual sin is spiritual harlotry—like uniting the body of Christ with a prostitute. This is graphic language, but these are God’s words, not mine (v. 15).
We were bought at a price—a great and terrible price—the precious blood of God’s Son. When we trample his precious blood with careless and wanton living, we invite God’s punishment.
Hear again Job’s words: “It would be iniquity deserving of judgment . . . that (sexual sin) would be a fire that consumes to destruction and would root out all my increase.”
Sexual promiscuity has the power to destroy lives, families, and relationships, and devour our increase—the bounty God bestows on us when we honor him.
We all know believers who have wrecked their families, careers, health, and testimonies for a season of physical pleasure. Are we willing to risk this for the sake of stolen pleasure? God forbid.
The pleasures of sin are for a season, but the favor of God lasts a lifetime. Which would we rather have?
If you're traveling the slippery slope of sex outside of marriage, I pray you'll choose to honor God with your body. If you've already crossed the line, it's never too to late to walk in purity. When we confess our sins to God, repent (have a change of heart about our sin), and ask forgiveness, he promises to forgive and cleanse us (1 John 1:9).
Wherever you are in your journey, purity can begin today.
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It's so true, Lori. It is impossible for one to even realize the far-reaching effects of his/her sin. It affects the entire body of Christ.
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