WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Exodus 20:14
Matthew 5:27-32

“… whosoever looketh on a woman to lust
… hath committed adultery …”

THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT AND YOU

The Seventh Commandment points to maintaining sexual purity and chastity. It definitely forbids not only extra-marital affairs, but also condemns fornication, pornography, rape, incest, and all unnatural lusts. Dirty jokes, speech and behaviours with sexual innuendos are also sins against this command. Christians, do not tease your friends about physical contact between men and women.

Perhaps you think since you are not guilty of any of the above, you are fine. Yet, Christ defines adultery as having occurred when you lust after another (Matt 5:28). Hence, it is equally important that you dress modestly and not sensuously so as not to stumble others to fall into this sin. Some clothes are designed to accentuate certain body parts to arouse lusts. However, do not blame others for your impure thoughts. Job was very careful in what he allowed his eyes and mind to dwell on: “I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” (Job 31:1). No one may know or see, but you may be committing adultery in your heart all day long. These lusts arise from what you see, what you read, what you hear. Movies, television, magazines and the internet are highly effective for Satan to tempt you to sin in this aspect. He plants his trap there. Also, many worldly songs are carnal, lascivious, promoting premarital sex, and adultery. It is hardly possible these days not to be bombarded with provocative sexual visuals wherever we look. You must watch your eye gate and ear gate because unclean sexual thoughts arise from these. We live in a sex-crazed age and society where almost every advertisement is lustful and sensual. Be very careful of allowing lusts to dwell in your heart because it will take over your mind such that immoral thoughts arise in whatever you see. “Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin …” (2 Pet 2:14). This is a sin that is addictive and controlling. It ruined Samson. It can ruin you too.

THOUGHT: Adultery already begins in my heart when I lust.
PRAYER: LORD, convict me and give me strength to resist impurity.