Susanna risked her life to avoid sexual sin (Dn 13:23ff). Joseph spent years in prison because he resisted sexual temptation (Gn 39:7ff). We are commanded to fight all temptations to the point of having our blood shed (Heb 12:4). Then Jesus tells us to so strongly resist the temptation to look at someone lustfully that we would cut off our hand or gouge out our eye if necessary (Mt 5:28-30). Jesus does not mean this literally but clearly emphasizes we should strongly resist sexual temptations.
This emphasis on strong resistance to sexual temptations is not accepted by many Christians today. Prime-time TV is filled with sexual temptations, but we watch anyway. We don't hear much preaching or exhortation about overcoming sexual sins such as masturbation or sexual fantasies. Teachings against artificial birth control are not often proclaimed from the pulpit. Some Christians even permit such abominations as abortion or homosexual acts. They don't realize they're in danger of choosing eternal separation from God.
"Can you not realize that the unholy will not fall heir to the kingdom of God? Do not deceive yourselves: no fornicators, idolators, or adulterers, no sodomites...will inherit God's kingdom" (1 Cor 6:9-10). Only those determined to fight will conquer Satan. Fight strongly all sexual temptations.
| PRAYER: | Father, this Lent give many of our readers victories over sexual sins that have plagued them for years. |
| PROMISE: | "I am the light of the world. No follower of Mine shall ever walk in darkness; no, he shall possess the light of life." –Jn 8:12 |
| PRAISE: | The Biggs purposely do not own a TV set so that they may remain more focused on Christ. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College