September 16
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to the flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8)
Let’s once and for all put to rest the idea that a person can engage in immoral behavior, or view pornography, or lust after others and not suffer major negative consequences. A casual reading of scripture makes it very plain how God views immorality: He hates it. It is a violation of His design for His creation. Immorality is one of the fastest ways to ruin a reputation, a Christian witness, and a ministry. In addition to what we have already discussed regarding consequences over the last few days, I’d like to briefly touch on specific consequences that one may experience due to moral failures.
- Disassociation and shunning by other Christians; castigation, stigmatization
“…I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he should be an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler – not even to eat with such a one….REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.” (1 Corinthians 5:11, 13)
Paul says that the church is not to associate with immoral persons who claim to be Christians but to remove them from our midst. Immoral so-called Christians, not immoral unbelievers, are the ones who are to be shunned. But some churches, amazingly, to their own demise, embrace immoral behaviors and accept secular beliefs surrounding them. Hopefully, you are part of a church that would follow biblical commands to shun you if you continue in immorality. It is necessary for the purity of God’s church and His people. And public rebuke and shunning for those who refuse to repent of immorality is a kindness, so that they clearly get the message and have the opportunity to repent of their sin. This shunning is a kindness, a temporary necessity, and the goal is repentance and restoration. It will be far worse for you if you do not repent
- Sickness and death
“For this reason, many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep. But if we judged ourselves rightly, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord in order that we may not be condemned along with the world.” (1 Corinthians 11:30-32)
Are you judging yourself rightly? Do you give yourself a pass when it comes to sin, particularly immoral thoughts and behaviors, or do you understand the full weight of the severity of your sin? Repent of this evil idolatry and covetousness! Pornography is not a harmless entertainment, it is a horrible corruption of our hearts and minds! It is like walking right into the camp of terrorists who are bent on destroying you and asking them to do whatever they want with you – handcuff you, rob you, torture you, even kill you – if only they would feed you a little of their food. What a sell out! How cheaply we sell yourselves, for trifles! Why not starve in the desert before surrendering to your avowed enemy! But that is exactly what we do when we view pornography. Take this very seriously, and judge yourself rightly, that sickness or even death might not befall you. God does.