This posting will be much different than my usual...it's not really "about me" and what I'm going through. This is a diversion from the norm with a focus on being grey but there are specifics here. No, I'm not talking about the actual color grey but I'm talking about the grey issues we are faced with. All of us come upon them...those are the issues that the Bible "doesn't speak to directly"....or at least that is what some people say. What are some of the grey issues of the Bible? What are some of the issues in our lives the Bible doesn't specifically name? I can think of a huge list ranging from the rediculous gonig through a valley of mediocure topics to the very serious. I mean really. Here are some examples:
Cleanliness is next to godliness....who in the world wrote that? Do you know for years I thought that came from the Bible? It doesn't. It's not in the Bible.
Eating an apple a day keeps the doctor away.....that's not in the Bible (although I know of no one that belives that) but how about getting good exercize everyday? No where in the Bible does God tell us to excersize our bodies everyday.
Let's say brushing your teeth. Now here's a good one. Dentists tell us to do that everyday (and floss) but no where in the Bible does God tell us to do that.
Before I go on...I'm going to touch on a subject that most will be extremely uncomfortable with. The subject is really not talked about much in open christian circles. If it's brought up at all it is done so in whispered tones and in total confidentialily usually because people are embarrassed about it....there is a shame that comes with it. So, if reading on in this blog you become offended by my mention of this hushed subject I do apologize for offending you HOWEVER it is extremely important to understand God's position on this. I believe that God does have a position on this just as He does with how we keep our homes and how we keep care of our bodies. Some of you will have already guessed the subject I am talking about is masturbation. For the sake of my readers feelings and sensitivity I will not use that word again and will only refer to it. Out of curiosity, what was you reaction when you read that?......? I think it compelling that so many cringe inwardly at the subject even though the Bible doesn't talk about this subject by name.
There are those that say it's wrong....IT'S SIN! It also comes with a wagging index finger and a frown of scorn. Other's say....."the Bible is silent here....so if it feels good DO IT". That hippy mentality to let go and let God. There are believers on both sides.....and that doesn't make the decision any easier does it? What will? For those of us who really desire to know the will of God to follow in His footsteps and to be reconciled to His way....what will make it easier for us to understand God's position on this issue? Is it really possible when the Bible doesn't name this? yes.
I have counselled students on this subject. Even though the students had a different perspective going into the discussion the students came out at the same place. I will tell you it's not because I'm a great convincer, lusid talker, or had compelling arguments conjurred up on my own. These students came to me broken or really wondering if it was okay or not...each wanting to know clear direction from the Bible.
**Okay, I'm going to stop right here for a second and talk to the people who regularily give counsel to students for a minute. I pray that you, dearly loved by God, pastor/preacher, lover of the students God has given you will carry out the will of God for you which is to "encourage the fainthearted, admonish the unruly,...." and do so with the power of God's word at your side. If you come across and area you don't believe God is speaking to...then be very careful you do not use your "pulpit" as a fertile ground for your opinion. The power of the word of God is your fire and your compulsion not your own agenda.**
Like I have said these students I talked to wanted to know what God had to say....and I didn't have to dissappoint them by telling them the Bible didn't speak to it. The Bible most certainly does....infact God created Adam and Eve for the pleasure we are talking about. God wanted them to feel that. He wanted, desired and willed that they feel passion for each other and enjoy each other. God was pleased with His creation...and I dare say His creation was pleased with what God created. God created Adam. God tells us that in the Bible....He created Adam and gave him a job....naming the animals. So, there stands Adam (perfect man that he is, intelligent, strong and capable) naming all these animals.....and while Adam is doing that he "notices" something. The animals are different even though the same species look the same they are different. There were most likely a lot of animales right? I mean he named them all so it must have taken a long time. Adam is smart....how long do you think it took him to begin to talk to God about the differnces he noticed? I believe God's purpose in him naming the animales was for Adam to notice. God is good here. He could have sat Adam down and said something like "Okay Adam, you were not meant to be alone. I'm going to give you a woman and you both will live together and be one". God did not take that approach. He wanted Adam to see....and he did. He noticed it all I'm sure. So, God causes a deep sleep to fall on him and we know the rest of the story.
So, here is the connection with the subject from earlier. God created sex. He created it between a male and female for animals and humans. Not only did He create sex...He created it to be good. Okay? Get the picture? God didn't tell Adam what to do....Adam knew what to do and Eve enjoyed it as well as Adam. The picture God is giving you my friend is that this pleasure is sweet, it's blessed by God, and for marriage. The pleasure that comes from that act is for marriage. God never told Adam to satisfy himself.....why would He when He gave Adam the animales to name and notice and watch?
So where does that leave my single friends, those students I know that have passion? What do you do now? You aren't married and that's not going to be for a long while anyway right? How do you keep waiting when you have these desires that seem to overwhelm you? My answer: think Biblically. If you aren't married don't consume yourself with the desires that belong there. Give you desires to the Lord. Tell Him what you want....yeah...I mean it. Tell Him exactly what you want. Don't you think God cares about that? He created your hormones He most certainly will understand them. Give them back to Him....tell him your struggle with waiting and ask Him why it's so hard to wait. Open yourself up to the possibility that you have had the wrong focus and need different priorities, His priorities. If you are a guy go to an older godly guy you trust is walking with the Lord and has his mind set on the things of Christ. If you are a girl go to an older godly woman that is walking with the Lord and is living a pure life. Stay away from the things that will decieve you...and that could be anything. Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you to the area's of weakness in your life and put a fence around yourself that you will not go past. Lastly, know the Lord loves you fiersly. He knows where you are....He see's what you do and what you think about...nothing goes without His keen awareness and notice and He loves you still. If you are tempted to doubt that you need to read 1John 1:9 and believe it with all your heart.
The subject I mentioned earlier is a sinful pattern of behavior leading to your distruction because the pleasure you get from that now is meant for marriage....you are really just robbing yourself of the true happieness and pleasure you are meant to have in that union. I pray for those I know who struggle and will for those I don't know of to find there fulfillment in there intimacy with Christ. He longs to fill your needs with His presense....infact that really is all we need. I pray you share deeply with Him the things in your heart....letting Him see it all, and in the letting go hearing His comforting voice. His judgement is not towards those He calls His own "there is now NO condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"...He has only love for you. Remain there and seek that older godly man/woman that will inspire you to keep pressing on.
I love you all....very deeply.
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