PURITY IN THE STORY OF CHRISTMAS

Preamble
One of the major themes often neglected in the story of the birth of Jesus is the purity of  Mary and the sanctity of Joseph's bed. We are challenged to encourage our daughters to live in purity and our sons to accept sexual abstinence as godly and commendable.

PURITY IS A PRODUCT OF FLEEING
The Reverend Marty O'Rourke, in an article entitled "Escaping Sexual Sin Before it's Too Late," gave the following recommendations when to flee from sexual temptation."When do you need to flee?·

When you find yourself thinking about a "friend, co-worker, ministry partner, counselee" and how much you enjoy being with this person -- FLEE!·

When you look forward to spending more time with this person and you make sure you look especially nice if you know you might see your "friend" that day -- FLEE!·

If you begin to fantasize about being with this person or knowingly start touching your "friend" in "innocent " ways -- FLEE!·

When you become more secretive about your interaction with your "friend" because people like your spouse might "misunderstand" your friendship -- FLEE!·

If you receive cards, e-mails or presents from this person that you would not want your spouse to see -- FLEE!·

When you find yourself comparing your spouse in an unfavorable way to your "friend"-- FLEE!·

If you start confiding in your "friend" about your marital problems -- FLEE!

Anytime we feel we must keep something secret, this would indicate that sin is crouching at our door.

If you are experiencing sexual attraction to someone - or experiencing some other kind of temptation over a few days - go to your spouse or someone you can trust in the Body of Christ. Bring the secret out into the light of day and ask for prayer and accountability." 

PERSONAL COMMITMENT
We each face temptations, but only Jesus can truly satisfy us. Today in prayer, pray that the Lord would lead you away from all temptation so that you may walk with Him. "If you're losing the battle against a persistent bad habit, an addiction, or a temptation, and you're stuck in a repeating cycle of good intention-failure-guilt, you will not get better on your own.

You need the help of other people. Rick Warren said "Some temptations are only overcome with the help of a partner who prays for you, encourages you, and holds you accountable." -  God's Word: "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." – Matthew 6:13 

Let us pray for forgiveness of our past and the grace  not yield to temptation

(This reflection came from Devotional. Com by Peter Kennedy)