CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 955

“Eye Control”

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28)

It seems that the daily news is always reporting an incident of moral failure among men and women in leadership positions. Everyone from Pastors and church staff to politicians, policemen, teachers and parents are vulnerable to succumb to the temptation of sexual sin. Sadly, these are not ‘private’ sins and such moral failure has a far reaching impact on others as well as our society as a whole.

The late Dr. Howard Hendricks interviewed 246 men who had suffered from moral failure and found four characteristics that were common to all of them:

They all lacked consistent daily times of prayer, worship, and study of God’s Word.

They all felt that such moral failure would never happen to them.

The majority became involved with the other woman after spending much time with her.

They all lacked personal accountability.

Think about these four characteristics and be honest in your self evaluation. How is your prayer life? Is your relationship with God a Sunday to Sunday experience or is it daily, continual and meaningful?

Do you feel that you can toy with temptation and not fall into sin? Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; none who touches her will go unpunished. (Proverbs 6:27-29)

Are you spending too much time with a member of the opposite sex other than your spouse? It could be work related or in a ministry of some type. If so, you are in dangerous territory and need to bring others into the work or ministry context to maintain integrity and accountability.

Who holds you accountable for your Christian character when you are alone? You may work at home or travel for your job. Who loves you enough and has your permission to periodically check in on you – a phone call, a text – something, anything that will help you avoid giving in to temptation? Satan loves isolation. He goes after those who have failed to put on the full armor of God and are vulnerable.

The moral center of our society is no longer centered on the Word of God. Immorality is prevalent throughout the media, entertainment, and advertising. Modesty in attire is all but gone. Provocative dress is considered acceptable in the workplace and can even be found in Sunday church congregations. How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (Proverbs 119:9-11)

May the Holy Spirit equip you with the full armor of God and the power to say ‘No’ to temptation. May you guard your eyes and your heart according to the Word of God, keeping your way pure and holy.