The Measure of Man: Moral Purity 2

How do you know when you have gone to far sexually? How many looks is too many? What movies are OK, and which ones are not? What Internet images are OK with God, and which ones are no-nos?

If you have the answers to these, then you are smarter than I. Part of me wants to say that it is up to the individual to determine what he or she can tolerate.

Then I ask myself, "Why am I tolerating anything?" What is the benefit of pushing the envelope on issues that can only lead to sin and the breaking of vows to God, my family, and my church? Do I have to be such an adrenaline junky that I cannot think clearly and safely about sexual temptation and sin?

Getz says, "A man who deliberately enjoys and pursues an illegitimate sexual relationship with a woman in his mind has, in God's sight, already committed an immoral act. This kind of fantasy world is off limits for a man who desires to follow God fully." (p. 36)

Explicit pornography is easy to define, and the enjoyment of it is illegitimate and immoral. However, the road to pornography is paved with suggestive materials that are not explicit. Skimpy bikinis, underwear ads, Victoria's Secrets modeling shows, acceptably rated movies, "artistic" pictures--all of these are culturally accepted presentations of sexuality that allow for the kind of fantasy that is off limits for the man of God and destructive to himself, his spouse, and his church.

How far are you down that slippery road? Turn around now before there is no return.