Dare 24

"The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever." --1 John 2:17
In dare 23, we were met head on with the enemies of marriage. Lust is one of them. Perhaps the greatest enemy. It twists itself into the lives of a married couple before they even know one has strayed. From eyes to heart to action...and followed with shame and regret.
To get our minds onto this subject, let's focus on lyrics from a Casting Crowns song: Slow Fade. I know, I know...I'm always pointing out songs. But most times, a song says what I'm trying to say WORLD'S better than I ever could.
Be careful little eyes what you see.
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings.
Be careful little feet where you go.
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow.
Be careful little ears what you hear.
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near.
Be careful little lips what you say.
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray.
The journey from your mind to your hands is shorter than you're thinkin.
Be careful if you think you stand. You just might be sinking!
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away.
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to grey.
And thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid when you give yourself away.
People never crumble in a day.
Daddies never crumble in a day.
Families never crumble in a day.
It's a slow fade.
Be careful little eyes what you see.
For the Father up above is looking down in love. Oh be careful little eyes what you see.

Whew...okay. Did you make it through that? Did you listen to it, or just read it? Did it make you think of someone who you have witnessed slowly fade? Did it make you think of yourself...maybe realizing you are on the verge of slowly fading? I had all these notes written out for this dare, but I think that song about sums it up. Once our eyes are captured by curiosity, our hearts become entangled. Then we act on our lust--worldly pleasure that promises fullness, but leads to emptiness. It is in direct opposition to love and only represents a lie. "But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction" (1 Timothy 6:9). Let me repeat that last part...lust leads to ruin and destruction!
"Lust is like a warning light on the dashboard of your heart, alerting you to the fact that you are not allowing God's love to fill you. When your eyes and heart are on Him, your actions will lead you to lasting joy, not to endless cycles of regret and condemnation" (Kendrick).
Please read through 2 Peter 1:3-4, Proverbs 5:18-21, and 1 John 2:15. Set your eyes on God. Let His promises of peace and freedom work their way into your heart. "Lust is the best this world has to offer, but love offers you the best life in the world."
Dare 24: End it now. Identify every object of lust in your life and remove it. Single out every lie you've swallowed in pursuing forbidden pleasure and reject it. Lust cannot be allowed to live in a back bedroom. It must be killed and destroyed--today--and replaced with the sure promises of God and a heart filled with His perfect love.
Dare 23: Love protects.
Dare 22: Love your spouse. Period.
Dare 21: Be satisfied in God.
Dare 20: Commit to love Jesus so that you can love your spouse.
(For previous dares, refer to earlier entries.)

--Inspired by "The Love Dare"