Flee from sexual immorality. (1 Cor. 6:18)
Expanded Passage: Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:18–32; 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, 18–20
When you’re in a hurry or afraid you’ll be late, shortcuts are tempting. Who doesn’t want to save time, shorten the distance, and arrive sooner? The problem is that shortcuts can also lead you to places you didn’t intend to go, or involve you in adventures you didn’t want to experience. The consequences of shortcuts can range all the way from simply irritating to downright devastating.
Greener grass—you know, the kind you find on the other side of the proverbial fence—is often tempting. But keep in mind that there may be an unexpected reason why the grass appears greener. As Erma Bombeck suggested, it may be because it’s over a septic tank. What appears to be better may actually lead to disappointment and heartache.
Likewise, those who abandon God’s plan for sexual happiness may discover the shortcut was not worth it, and while the grass appeared greener, it actually led to regret.
Sex is God’s idea. Because it is his idea, he carefully defined how it should be enjoyed. God’s Word consistently holds up one man and one woman in a lifetime relationship as God’s ideal.
A life-giving stream may become a swamp or even a flood when it overruns its banks. So, ignoring God’s ideal can be destructive. If God’s plan seems unreasonable or undesirable, remember it’s worth it.
Run away from sexual sin. Instead, follow God’s plan.
Ron McClung is a writer, editor, and retired minister in The Wesleyan Church. He and his wife, Carol, live in Michigan and have two sons, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
© 2023 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
