But I've found it difficult to point my friends to the right path, since I myself have not been perfect. A few of them have said, "I just really want someone to casually hang out with, cuddle with, and have as a companion," or "What's the harm in just kissing someone?" They are trying to find loopholes in the nagging convictions they feel when they're careless, and this is something we've all done. When posed with these questions, I found myself at a loss for words. The Lord says that those wonderful perks are blessedly given to those that do so while following Him, when the motivation for the relationship is rooted in a faithfulness to God. This, of course, doesn't sit well for people that are used to finding people in bars or in very superficial situations. Then yesterday I read Proverbs 5 which is all about adultery (not just in marriage) and essentially pokes holes in every one of these protests and loopholes. It shines light on the excuses we come up with to rationalize our behaviors and make them okay. He calls us on our crap...
My son, pay attention to my wisdom;
Lend your ear to my understanding,
2 That you may preserve discretion,
And your lips may keep knowledge.
3 For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey,
And her mouth is smoother than oil;
4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
Sharp as a two-edged sword...
Lend your ear to my understanding,
2 That you may preserve discretion,
And your lips may keep knowledge.
3 For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey,
And her mouth is smoother than oil;
4 But in the end she is bitter as wormwood,
Sharp as a two-edged sword...
The passage continues to lay out exactly how immoral actions lead to death, that's it, and if you're questioning the behavior, it is probably immoral. But I like the analogy between lips that appear to drip honey, sensually sweet and delicious, and the true bitterness of wormwood that they actually possess. There's a juxtaposition of appearance and truth here, and that is important. Satan takes a little piece of truth and makes it false, yet in so doing, it is understandable to us and easily infiltrating. So I ask that when posed with the lips that drip honey, you see them for bitter wormwood, and trust that when the Lord wants you to see true honey, He'll make it obvious.
When faced with questions personally and from friends, I hope to have the strength and boldness to speak up and not allow the issue to be sugar-coated and made palatable. I sent this verse to a few of my friends, and was pleasantly amazed with the responses. Most of them expressed how "funny" or "weird" the coincidence of the text was, but that's how God works. I felt encouraged to continue to help light the Lord's path of righteousness for those the find their paths dimmed or darkened by struggle and questioning, and in doing so, continue to strengthen my resolve in this area and my relationship with Him. I'm grateful also that I've got this passage in my pocket the next time the questions are asked.
Strawberry Swing - Coldplay
Amanda, I can't encourage you enough to continue to pursue righteousness in this area of life. I can tell you as someone who is married that the pursuit of purity is something so beautiful and rewarding. A lot of times we view this aspect of God's law as something he is keeping us from and that couldn't be a greater lie. Sexuality and relationships were designed and created by our God. The reason he lays out laws for us in this area is so we could experience them as they were intended to be. Thank you for sharing and please press on and seek God's word as you are doing.
ReplyDelete-Taylor
kewl!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing Amanda!! The analogy between the lips perceived to drip of honey and the bitterness of wormwood is so powerful! It really puts into perspective how important it is to focus on God, because the lies of Satan can be so sneaky and deceiving. And I think it's awesome that you are choosing to take this time in your life to focus on your walk with God. I recently heard this quote by Max Lucado, "A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her." I thought this quote was so beautiful, and would hopefully encourage you in your pursuit of a stronger relationship with the Lord! :)
ReplyDeleteAmanda, you're awesome =) I'm so encouraged by your walk with the Lord and how you are seeking after His heart <3
ReplyDeleteAmanda,
ReplyDeleteI love your honesty and heart in this. I'm encouraged by your commitment to not dating for a season. It's refreshing!
Unfortunately it can be so hard to keep this sort of commitment when the world is in the dark and tugs us in the wrong direction. Putting this out there for everyone to see like you did is such a good idea and something I regret not doing at a time.
When we draw near to the heart of God we begin to see that him telling us to walk away from uncommitted relationships is out of love for us and not punishment. He wants to protect our hearts.
One more thing I was thinking when I read your first paragraph is that it often isn't physical intimacy alone that creates problems in a relationship. It's also emotional intimacy, or any intimacy beyond the level of commitment in the relationship. It's a tough lesson, but one I wish I had learned sooner.
-Maddy
so im finding this over a month later... but it was such a lovely piece. what a great reminder of how he is worth it... and he is truth, there is no getting around it. what a great work he is doing in you amanda. i hope the same for myself and i pray that you receieve grace with open arms as you continue to "work out your salvation". big hug.
ReplyDelete