Question: How do we help people avoid sexual temptation?

Question: I believe the Bible condemns infidelity of any kind, especially that of a sexual nature. Nonetheless, we see so much of it in our society today! Whether churches have dropped the ball is another question entirely, but I do know that we can’t simply stand back, point fingers, and shout simple answers. What is the single most effective, positive concept that you would try to communicate to young people (and older folks as well!) with respect to the sexual temptations that surround them—especially those who know right from wrong but make bad choices anyway?

Response: We must keep in mind an unchanging perspective on eternity. This life is so very short, and any person is a fool who barters eternity for a few moments of pleasure that leave a bitter taste and remorse even in this life.

Not long ago, I was counseling with a young couple; he wanted to divorce her because she no longer seemed as beautiful and attractive to him as she once had. (Frankly, I thought that, based upon physical attraction, she would have been the one to divorce him.) However, as I mentioned to them both, decisions depend upon the values we have set. I told him that if he found the most beautiful woman in the world and had a few years of pleasure with her, in the end it would all turn to gravel. There are lasting values to consider that are far more important than temporary pleasure.

Even to the unsaved person who has some ethical standards the same is true. What about honor and commitment? What about the promises that have been made? In the long run, we will find longer lasting, deeper satisfaction, and more genuine joy at having been true to our commitments and having obeyed God and His Word, keeping our promises, and having lived for truth and honor! How could any temporary pleasure make up for the lasting regret one would have at knowing that honor and truth and commitment and righteousness had been trampled?

So it is in our daily lives in our relationship with our Lord. I think we often put a selfish interpretation on the scripture that says of Jesus, “For the joy that was set before Him, he endured the cross, despising the shame….” We think it was the pleasure of having us in His presence, and I’m sure that played a part. However, I am certain from the Word of God that the real joy set before Him was knowing that He had fulfilled His Father’s will; that He had been true to His commitment—to His purpose for coming into this world and had pleased His Father.

There is no greater joy for any of us in the final analysis than knowing that we have done God’s will, that we have pleased Him, that we have been true to His Word, to His love, and that we have responded in kind to His grace and commitment to us. I think if we keep these things in mind it helps stabilize our Christian life, gives us a real purpose and joy in simply being and saying and doing what He has planned for us. And that is a joy that will be ours for all eternity. At the same time, anything that violates these eternal truths brings only a temporary pleasure but a lasting remorse.