Key Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-19

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

Relevance

Whether we like it or not, we must acknowledge that this passage was written to the leaders and people of a Christian church, a gentile church like our churches today.

Jesus first spoke about lasciviousness to the Pharisees when He stated that it proceeds from the heart. Paul wrote about it to the churches at Corinth, Galatia, and Ephesus; Peter wrote about it to the believers throughout Asia Minor and related regions; and Jude, the brother of our Lord, cautioned his readers that certain men who were full of it had crept into their churches unaware. Clearly, it is a subject of concern. 

What is lasciviousness? It means that one is perpetually turned on for wickedness, predominantly sexual lust. The present world is full of it. We can tell by the changes in worldwide legislation and in the way some churches are steadily but surely supporting behaviour that God calls evil. 

But how does it affect us personally? 

When we ask the Holy Spirit into our lives, we get Him in a deposit size, the earnest of the Spirit ( 2 Corinthians 5:5), which is perfect for us when we are young Christians. The Holy Spirit brings a 'quickening' or a new sense of being alive, as if God has just switched on the power and it is running through our veins. It is a holy quickening that gives us a lively desire for holiness and righteousness, and God's way of life. 

On the other hand, lasciviousness works in the exact opposite. It makes us alive to the body's carnal senses, which resist the Holy Spirit. This imposes on us two quickenings in the same body. But, only one is of the Spirit. If we leave the door open to lasciviousness, our spirituality will weaken. Our love for God will grow colder. We will accept further sin more easily. Hence, our Saviour, Paul, Peter, and Jude sternly warn against it. 

Isaiah 55:7 clarifies the nature of lascivious thoughts and actions. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

These are steps away from God that only repentance can fix.

Step 1: Thoughts. These are not the fiery dart thoughts of evil that fleetingly appear in our minds. This scripture is talking about dwelling on unrighteousness until it becomes so powerful that it compels us to act. From there, we enter Step 2. 

Step 2: Actions. Being an action person is mostly good. It stops procrastination and gets things done. However, that doesn't apply to putting lascivious thoughts into action. We tread downhill from unrighteousness to wickedness, and occupy a life that walks contrary to our Saviour. 

This is why the Old Testament priests' breeches were white and covered the sexual parts. White stands for righteousness. For the New Testament priest, it is the loin cloth of truth. Ephesians 6:14 tells us to Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth. 1 Peter 1:13 shows us the context, Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind. 

God is well aware of the temptation of lasciviousness in the priesthood and the types of electricity that run between all human parts. 

Do you ever wonder why God made us so susceptible to lust? One reason is that we are called to such a high calling as overcomers and Holy Ones, or Saints, that we need to rid ourselves of so much junk.

Is being a Joint Heir with Christ a reward worth fighting for?  

Like the Salmon swimming upstream dodging the bears, how earnestly do we seek the prize? 

Prayer

Dear Lord, how premium are thy callings. Nothing you call us to is small in Your sight. Please help us overcome all unworthy desires to follow Your Son to the Cross of self-denial. Praise Your glorious name. 

Photo by Hush Naidoo Jade Photography