If you’ve ever given blood, you have answered some of the most awkward questions you have probably ever been asked in your life. Many of those questions revolve around your sexual activity. Included in the lineup of questions is a question concerning different sexual partners you have been involved with in recent years. Even if you don’t have a checkered past, it’s quite uncomfortable to be asked such questions by a complete stranger.
Now imagine what it would be like if Jesus was the one asking the questions. Right before he draws your blood, your Savior looks you in the eyes and asks, “How many sexual partners have you had in your life?” In your attempt to speak honestly before the one who knows the whole truth, he reminds you of how he sees the correlation between lust and sex.
Do you know how Jesus views it?
Matthew 5:27 “You have heard that it was said, Do not commit adultery. 28 But I tell you, everyone who looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to go into hell!
According to this passage, when does Jesus believe that adultery has taken place? When lust has transpired! So, think about it for a moment: in Jesus’ eyes, how many sexual partners have you had in your life?
In Jesus’ perspective, you have gone way too far with way too many people who are not your spouse. From the coworker wearing revealing clothing, to the online photo albums you continue to visit, to the entertainment you constantly watch, you have to stop lust. Jesus says that we need to take drastic measures in order to avoid lust like the plague.
Job 31:1 “I made a covenant with my eyes
not to look lustfully at a young woman.
How could you make a covenant with your eyes to avoid lust like the plague? Today, what can you do to ensure that you battle lust?
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
