August 30
Overcoming Immorality, Pornography, and Lust – Part XXII – Critical Transformations – Pursuing the Real and Eternal Things of God (continued)
“Thou wilt make known to me the path of life; In Thy presence is fullness of joy; in Thy right hand there are pleasures forever.” (Psalm 16:11)
Yesterday we spoke of the deceptive fantasies that fuel immorality, lust, and pornography. They are built in a fantasy land of make-believe people and contrived situations. The reality of the situation is that those people are dying and the thing they are selling is fleeting and deceptive. The pleasure lasts only briefly, but the problems and consequences and punishments that result can last an eternity.
We could speak more of the deception and consequences of immoral activity, but the main point is that it is a fleeting pleasure based on the lie that it will satisfy us. But it won’t. Disobedience to God’s laws and ways will only bitterly disappoint in the end. And we need to realize that and become transformed from those who are deceived by the futility of pursuing fleshly pleasures to those who are consumed with bringing pleasure to God.
Today we will consider the flip side of the deception of immorality, and that is the rewards of those who do not fall for this deception and who pursue eternal things instead. Love and sexual intimacy inside a marriage between a man and a woman can be one of the most exciting pleasures one can experience on earth. Built not on the non-commitment of lust, which can easily turn to hate after the act is complete, love and intimacy in marriage is built on trust, commitment, security, belonging. No emotional pain, guilt, and regrets afterwards, because this is the relationship God has ordained to fulfill those needs. A beautiful marriage and lasting relationship is a reward from God for obedience to His commands to not commit sexual immorality.
But there is much more God has in store for those who pursue Him and His word. The joy of intimacy with Him! The pleasure of a completely clear conscience with no guilt! The excitement of learning new things from God’s word! Seeing God work out difficult problems in our lives and bless us! Having wisdom to know what to do in the many perplexing situations we face! Being engaged in building His kingdom and doing work that will benefit others for eternity, and getting eternal rewards for it! Having God’s peace ruling in our hearts with no anxiety! Pursuing the pleasure of God and delighting in doing His will!
These and many other pure and noble things are the true pleasures of life. Immoral fantasies and behaviors are pathetic, cheap substitutes for these lasting treasures. We have to make the transformation of being deceived by our fleshly desires and impulses, which bring about death, to consciously choosing truth and that which brings fullness in this life and life eternal, for us and those we might influence. Are you going to continue being a stumbling block to yourself and others, or are you going to make the transformation to become a guiding light in the world?
ASSIGNMENT: Write out the negative consequences that you or others have experienced, or are fearful that you might experience, as a result of your immoral behavior. Now think through the benefits of self-control and obedience to the scriptures to abstain from every form of immorality. What are the good and true and eternal pleasures you are forgoing by your continued participation in immoral behavior?