AUG 28

Exodus 20:14
Memorise Exodus 20:14
“Thou shalt not commit adultery”

Many years ago, whilst teaching a Sunday School class on the 10 commandments, I made the point that all of us have broken all the 10 commandments, and deserve punishment. At that point, one student raised her hand (whether cheekily or innocently I do not know), and said, “But teacher, we never commit adultery!” I must admit I was rather stumped at that point of time, and did not really know how to answer. However, now, as I write to a more teenage audience, I am sure that you are certainly more aware of the implications that this commandment has for you. As a teen, you are at an age where certain emotional and physiological changes are beginning to take effect within you. You are facing new temptations that you never had before, as you begin to take a keener interest in those of the opposite gender. It is an age where we begin to get curious, interested, and possibly become more adventurous. It is therefore a time that we must evermore be on guard, and be careful!

Primarily, the 7th commandment is a command for purity. It does not only limit our actions, but also our thoughts, words and desires. It calls us to avoid and abstain from all sexual sins, commonly described in the Bible as adultery and fornication. This is especially important in our increasingly immoral society, where media and advertising continually prey on our propensity to be tempted by our lusts. All around us our eyes and minds are bombarded with images, stories and songs that promote a very ‘sexed up’ lifestyle. Topics that were completely taboo in our parents’ generation are now so prevalent even in movies and TV shows that are given a seemingly innocuous PG rating. Surrounded by all this immoral filth, our own conscience and morality are easily seared as well, and our standards get dragged down together with the world, such that we don’t even bat an eyelid when we see visual depictions of adultery and fornication being broadcasted on TV.

As Christians, we must make a stand and separate ourselves from the lusts of the world. Whilst the world may be falling into such an unholy and ungodly state, we must seek the perfect high standard of God’s Word, and seek after purity in every aspect of our lives. This is what is called for in this seventh commandment.

Thought: I must strive for purity!
Prayer: Lord, help me to remain pure in this sin-sick world.