Have you ever wondered if a male or female had the same attraction to you as you have to them? Are you creating in your own mind emotional relationships that lead to marriage or union in dating that only you know and a select few know about? Are you focused more on those thoughts than the thoughts from above? (Colossians 3:2)
Let me tell you that you are no different than thousands of people struggling or giving into this temptation. We are wired as human being to have a longing and a desire to be loved. This desire can easily turn into a long journey of heartache and open doors that should remain closed.
Recently (the last 13 months), I have had to beat emotional desires down with the Word of God. The thoughts and emotions were coming so rapidly that I knew and have known that it is/was an attack from the enemy. Especially since I knew that the brother had absolutely no desire for me accept to be my brother (We previously had the just brother and sister talk to make sure no false signals were being sent (Proverbs 18:22). If you are struggling in this area, sometimes it is good just to ask the question so you know how to attack it).
It is a long and hard journey to remain emotionally and sexually set apart and pure. Most people do not see the value in it. The world encourages us to engage in relationships and flirting constantly. When one becomes pregnant out of wedlock they asked how? (The sin is in the sex not the child). When marriages fall apart they make excuses. When homosexuals begin to desire to display their sin openly they wonder where they all came from. When domestic violence happens in the home they looked shocked (even when the world promotes violence more than clean air).
Brothers and Sisters I am petitioning you to fight the good fight of emotional purity. We must address the problems of our hearts that cause us to desire and long for men and women who are not our husbands or wives. For so many years we have engaged in pornography, seen dysfunctional relationships and sexual relationships for monetary gain etc. Our past must be cleaned up so that God can get the glory out of our lives.
For that last 4 years I have not engaged in any sexual activity (not even a kiss) but my ride to emotional purity has been a hard journey. It is easy to give your body away and keep your emotions detached in the beginning. It is harder to take a stand and say I will keep my heart pure towards men and women so that when my husband arrives I will be emotionally clean. But more so I will love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind and soul (Matthew 22:37).
I ask you how many people have you dated or tried to pursue in a relationship in the last year? How many people have you engage in emotional impurity with openly and behind the windows of your heart. Have you taken the time to clean yourself from all those broken relationships past and present? Are you looking at women’s outward appearance to decide whether or not you want to pursue them (men)? (1 Samuel 16:7, Proverbs 30:31) Are you looking at men’s outward appearance desiring for them to pursue you, ladies? (1 Samuel 16:7; 1 Corinthians 15:32-34) Have you asked God where are the places emotionally that you need to clean? If not ask Him, Jesus will show you the areas that need to be cleaned before you continue in the pursuit of marriage.
We are all longing to be loved by someone we can call our own. However, we are looking for love in all the wrong places and faces. We must first turn our hearts and affections to the Lord Jesus. He is the only one that can fulfill those desires. No man or woman in this world or the one to come can love you the way Jesus loves you. He was destined since the beginning of time to the lover of your soul (Psalm 143:8). Look to Him to be complete. (John 4: 1-26)
