As children of God, we have our work cut out for us. We must live every day enthusiastically in faith so that other people also want to serve God. We must set an example by resolving our problems in an adult way and not attacking one another. We must encourage one another to get rid of the thorns in our relationship so that they don’t fester and cause even worse problems.

And then a warning for where so many of us trip up: ¹⁶Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. Actually, it’s an instruction too: first, watch out, and second, help others who make this mistake. And so many do.

In the beginning, God created so much beauty, and for humans, s*x was a major aspect of human life. The purpose of creation was that s*x should happen within the boundaries of marriage. That’s where it is safe. That’s where it is beautiful. That’s where it builds up. That’s where people become one. That’s where love grows.

Because of sin. A line was drawn through the original purpose and sex became a free for all. It seems as if the wave has grown so huge by now that it cannot be stopped.

The corpses of dead marriages and relationships lie scattered all over, and the biggest cause: indecency. People look for s*x in the wrong places. S*x is offered in the wrong places.

It is important that we look through the correct lens when we look at s*x, and that is not through the worldly lens. A worldly lens gives a skewed picture of s*x, reducing it to a superficial physical desire, which eventually leaves you empty and unfulfilled, alone in a corner.

Be careful to look at s*x through a Biblical lens. Then you will see that it is so much more than a physical deed, but that it leads to intimacy between man and woman, who really become one. This is the place where they can really serve one another, where they can share their deepest secrets. Where they can build up one another and be safe from outside attacks.

When a couple succeeds in doing this, it becomes the glue that holds them together, unbreakable, and evil cannot tear them apart. You see, he knows how easily people trip, men and women, and he will keep on trying to hit them with his arrows, and, unfortunately, he often hits bull’s eye.

But remember the second instruction. We have to help others. Because this is an area that the devil focuses on and because the world tells people lies, we must make a point of it to help others withstand it.

It’s not easy out there. Our relationships come under attack from all sides. May we make the right choices and guide others. May those who struggle also follow in our faltering steps. May we keep one another upright and help one another to do the right thing.

Scripture
Hebrews 12:14-17

Reflection
Where do you still trip up?
What can you do differently?
How can you help others?

Prayer
Father, I long to do Your will. Please give me strength to do the right thing and also help others take the right path. In Jesus’ Name, amen.