“Remove your way far from her, and come not near the door of her house: lest you give your honor to others, and your years unto the cruel.” Proverbs 5:8
Dear Ones:
In the book of Daniel, we read concerning “the time of the end,” that “…knowledge shall be increased.” (12:4) What kind of knowledge is he talking about? The promise to Eve by Satan in the Garden of Eden was, “…then your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, KNOWING good and EVIL.” (Gen. 3:5) In defining what pornography is, we simply look to the dictionary: It is the depiction, as in pictures or writing, of sexual acts, intended to create an intense emotional, and sexual reaction. Now, we might look at this definition and look out at our world, and say, “What is wrong with that?” It is then that we need to step back, and look at the whole picture from God’s perspective.
When Daniel writes that in the last days there will be an increase in knowledge, we are only referencing here the knowledge which is considered “evil.” Daniel most certainly is speaking of the availability of such a large quantity of this knowledge, and the ease with which it can be acquired. The key word with regard to this “knowledge” has to do with its nature, and purpose. When Satan spoke to Eve in the Garden of Eden, he had but one thing on his mind, the dishonoring of God by the destruction of the man and the woman. He KNEW that this “knowledge of evil” would destroy them. So, this is what he would use to seek to do so.
What is the essence of pornography as opposed to knowledge that is “good” in the relationship between a man and woman? First, it must be understood and grasped, that everything Jesus said was for the good of man. He never wasted a word, and all was intended to glorify His father, and benefit man. In Matthew’s gospel He writes: “I say unto you, that whosoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already IN HIS HEART.” (5:28) The first thing He addresses here is the imperative attitude of respect and honor that is due a woman by any man, and vice versa. This mutual respect is the will of God. However, if the man, or the woman, betrays such a sacred trust on their part, they dishonor God, and disdain the other person. “Lust” is different from natural desire given by God. It is a self-seeking pursuit, a casting away of values established by God. It is the rejection of God’s ways to satisfy one’s own desires. The second thing we see here is that, it is not necessary for a physical act to occur for adultery to be committed, for it can be “in the heart.” You might say, “This is too extreme.” How can any man possibly live such a life, and have such a rightful attitude towards all women?” The answer begins with understanding that God has put limits and conditions on our relationships, so that in this fallen world, we might live well and free, knowing His joy and love. What he calls us to be is that which He will provide for.
What then shall we do? Solomon gives us very clear guidance here. “Remove your WAY far from her, and come not near her door.” He speaks here of proximity, and contact. In other words, do not GO where you should not go, not even come near. In our day of “great and accessible” evil knowledge, it is a challenge, but can be also a conquest. God gives grace to avoid the pitfall, hence Jesus instructs us to pray, “Lead us NOT into temptation, but deliver us from evil…for Your’s is the kingdom and the power, and the glory.” God has made provision for those who truly seek Him. The key is to take Christ as our Purity and Keeper.
Dear Father, keep our feet wherever we go. In this world where our eyes see sometimes that which is wrong, impure, and tempting, strengthen our hearts to forever turn away from it, by turning to Thee. You are, Lord Jesus, our light, life, and strength. Be our keeper also, for Your sake and glory, and the true blessing of others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad