Posted Jan 20, 2020 |
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“Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched?” Proverbs 6:27-28
Since I was a young adult, I felt it was wrong for the opposite sex to have a friendship, if they were not married to that person. Why? Temptation. The devil would like nothing more than to create in us a lustful desire for someone, in hopes that we act on it. Now I have had one male friend since I was 13 years old. We went to a Christian school together and basically grew up together. However, whenever I am in town we make arrangements to get together with at least one of our spouses present. That is not because we do not trust each other but because we do not trust the devil. Like the verses say, why put yourself in the position to be tempted. I am not Christ and therefore because of my sinful nature I will not assume I am above temptation. I love this lifelong friend but I love my husband, my marriage, and my God more than I ever will the friend.
Now I have heard many people say, what is the big deal? I know I am not going to do anything so why can’t I hang out with my male friend or my female friend? Even if you are in the right frame of mind, the other person may not be and you can not say you know how the devil works so he will hit you with everything he has just to prove you wrong. I, for one, am not going to take that chance because my marriage and my family are of greater value to me than that friendship.
It is not just opposite sex relationships that you have to watch out for, when it comes to temptation. That is a scary, sneaky word that creeps up behind you when you are not looking. I use to be a smoker and in my eyes, an alcoholic. I have been clean for over 16 years now but I have had a very addictive personality so I steer clear. Some of my friends, even my husband, will have a beer on occasion, wine or mixed drink and have on many occasions offered it to me. However, I choose not to walk on hot coals because I do not want to be scorched.
Don’t get scorched and risk everything just to be near the fire.
