READING: Job 31-36
I wonder what the report would sound like if we honestly reflected on our overall walk with God, giving attention to both our God-given faithfulness and our ongoing sinfulness. I particularly wonder how many of us men would have to report a longtime battle with lust, perhaps associated with pornography. Study after study has shown the invasive power of these issues—including within the church.
Job recognized the power of lust in his life, too. At the same time, he not only admitted his struggle, but he also described his strategy to conquer it: Job made a covenant with his eyes that he would not look on a young woman. So strongly did Job want to avoid that sin—his apparently understanding the danger that lust brings—that he did whatever it took to escape that temptation. Even a single look could have led in the wrong direction.
We are wise, too, to covenant with our eyes that we will not look on another person lustfully. Ideally, we will also have someone else in our lives who helps hold us accountable to this covenant.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Are you dealing with lust and/or pornography today?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, keep my mind pure and my eyes focused on You today.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Job 37-42, Psalm 1-2