How strange the words of Proverbs 5 sound to the modern ear. We have adopted a new ethic of subjectivity. The world is all about my happiness, after all, isn't it? Therefore, whatever makes me happy must be right. If it comes from within me, it cannot be wrong. Right?
God's Word presents a very different ethic, especially concerning sexual behavior. Life is not just about what makes me happy, but what God says is right. We are to walk in obedience to the standard God set at creation and reconfirmed in the New Testament - one man, one woman; pure before marriage, faithful after marriage; till death do us part! God calls us to reject sexual immorality and to avoid impurity of mind and heart. It is not an easy standard to maintain in this sex-saturated, sin-enslaved world. Since we have been purchased by Christ's blood, we belong to him and must use our bodies to honor him.
But Proverbs takes things to a different level. It does not simply contain admonitions to avoid immorality and impurity, but asserts that God's way is the best way, not just in eternity but here in this world. The way of the adulteress in Proverbs 5 (representing the life of sexual immorality) leads to death and destruction. Immorality is not only contrary to God's will, it is also contrary to self-interest. Living in sexual immorality and impurity drags us down, saps us of joy in life, and leeches away our vitality.
Her feet go down to death;
her steps head straight for Sheol.
She doesn’t consider the path of life;
she doesn’t know that her ways are unstable. (Proverbs 5:5-6)
Proverbs defines the consequences of our behavior, and it has much to say about our sexual morality. The path of adultery leads us to destruction and away from the path of true life.
The moral constraints defined in Scripture do not restrict our enjoyment of life or cause us undue hardship. On the contrary, it enhances life and brings joy. We live in moral purity not only because God commands it, but because God's Word is always true, his will is always right and his way is always best.
There is no better way to live life than in obedience to God's commands.
The moral constraints defined in Scripture do not restrict our enjoyment of life or cause us undue hardship. On the contrary, it enhances life and brings joy. We live in moral purity not only because God commands it, but because God's Word is always true, his will is always right and his way is always best.
There is no better way to live life than in obedience to God's commands.
Father, I live in an impure world which scorns your commands and your ways. But I choose to live life your way, by your commands, as your Spirit empowers me. Thank you Lord for leading me to the life that brings blessing and joy!
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