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Thursday, June 30, 2011

Commandent 6 of Marriage

Time sure does fly!  It has been awhile since I have posted a review of the book, "The Ten Commandments of Marriage" by Ed Young.  Today, I will review commandment six and want to remind you that there is much more to the chapter than I review, so if it intrigues you check out the book!

Commandment six is "Thou shalt flee sexual temptation - online or otherwise".  I find it appropriate that this would fall as the sixth commandment in the book.  In Luther's Small Catechism the sixth commandment is "Thou shalt not commit adultery". 

I think this is one of those commandments everyone knows and chalks it up to, "I will never do that" or "That is what so and so did".  However, Young makes some really good points throughout this chapter.  The first being everyone has to take this commandment seriously.  The biblical example used in the chapter is how David committed adultery with Bathsheba and David was a man of God.  He fell victim to his sinful desires.  Therefore, the underlying theme to this whole chapter is RUN!  Do not just flee from sexual temptations RUN from them!

Young uses the illustration of a deadly disease.  If someone where to tell you that you could not enter a certain area because there was the potential to contract a highly contagious deadly disease you would not enter the area.  In fact, most people would stay far away.  However, when sexual temptation is knocking at our door we let it knock.  We don't RUN or treat it like a deadly disease.  The treatment is likened to "I can handle it" when in reality it is a deadly disease.  Sexual temptation can ruin a person along with a marriage.  Therefore, sexual temptations of any kind need to be pushed away with a vengeance. 

When we RUN we are to run to Christ.  It is Christ that guides us, walks with us, and gives us the strength to face any temptation before us.  We also need to turn to our spouse.  When we are focused on our spouse, not only are the outside temptations pushed aside we are able to become more intimate with our spouse.  Being focused on one another allows the ability to get to know one another better and at a deeper level.

Young points out in Song of Solomon 7:11-12 how scripture shares couples need to take time away from everyday life.  Couples need to take the opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle of life to enjoy each other's company; to take the time to continue to get to know one another on the many levels each of us have.  Take Song of Solomon seriously and set aside the time for each other.  Not only will it be good for the marriage it also helps keep the temptations away. 

God designed sex and it is a beautiful thing! A husband and wife complete each other.

Cheryl

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