We've been in a series that’s exploring what it means to finish well - living a God honoring life that reveals Him both in and through us right up until the time we head to Heaven. If you’d like to see where we’ve been so far, visit The Disciple-Maker Archives.
Hindrances: Pride & Sexual Misconduct
There is much we could say about pride and its affects on one’s life. However, in the context of what we’re looking at in the series, I think the key issue here to consider is how pride hinders us from pursuing and receiving godly wisdom and counsel. Because of its subtle blinding power, pride leads us to believe that “we’ve got what it takes” to get the job done, make the decisions that need to be made and be successful - ALL BY MYSELF. Yet Proverbs says something else:
- Proverbs 15:22 – “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.”
- Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
- Proverbs 29:23 – “Pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.”
Arrogance. Haughtiness. Self-Exaltation. Stubbornness. Independence and Self-Reliance. Are any of these expressions of pride tucked away in your heart? Or, are they on the loose in various areas of your life: in your walk with Jesus? In your marriage (just ask your spouse, they’ll tell you!) or relationships? Maybe on the job? How about in your decision-making? Let’s prayerfully consider where we may need to exercise humility before God and those around us – and then go and do so before the sun goes down today.
Throughout the Scriptures and history, and in the news today, we repeatedly learn of how sexual sin destroys marriages and families, brings people to ruin, and often removes both credibility and influence from those in positions of leadership. Jesus made it clear that the issue here is not only the act of sexual sin, but what’s happens within our hearts:
- Matthew 5:28 – “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 15:19 – “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality…”
Are you struggling here? Is the heat of temptation – with a person or porn – raging inside your soul? If so, I’d encourage you to consider three things. First, ponder Joseph’s response when sexually tempted by Potiphar’s wife in Genesis 39:9 – “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Second, like Joseph in vs. 12, flee the situation just as fast you possibly can, knowing that your life may be at stake! And, third, run to trusted friends who can pray, counsel and stand with you as you war you way towards inner freedom.