Holy Spirit Guide
Disclosure:
This word is a bit explicit. Originally, I did not plan on sharing, but I feel as if God wants me to because the purpose of this blog is to edify through God given revelations. Honestly, it would be remiss of me not to share for the sake of those who possess the same questions as I once did regarding these subjects.
Subject #1: Shacking
Let’s talk about a little something the church community calls “shacking”, which is when a romantic couple chooses to live together without being married. As a little girl, I remember the church folks kind of condemning those within the church who had been “shacking” with their romantic partner. “Shacking” is one of those shaky subjects if you ask me. I say this because as I began to get more into my word, I began to realize that the act within itself is not a sin, but instead it is what it can lead to that is in fact the sin.
One day I mentioned my opinion regarding this subject to my father, and he agreed, but reminded me of a few scriptures that supported why it’s probably best to avoid “shacking” in order that we are not succumbed to the schemes of the enemy.
Now, though the subject is not specifically mentioned, here’s a quick little nugget, Romans 14:16 says, “Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil.” So, though your intentions may be pure, avoid placing yourself in situations where that fact can be questioned by others, remember we’re to be examples to the lost, so that they may one day be found.
This sometimes looks like doing what you much rather not do (nothing contrary to the word or character of God), or keeping from a certain act or thing for the sake of another who is watching you, and does not yet possess the same understanding and or willpower as you do. This is what it means to die to self for the sake of those God calls to you. This is what it means to be your “brothers keeper”.
Subject #2: Self Gratification
This subject has been the talk of the Christ following town for years, but I’m here to add a little clarity for those of you who are now connected to me through Christ in this season of your life.
We can assume all we like regarding where we believe the Lord is referring to self gratification in the bible, but though unfortunate, He does not specifically mention the subject. Now because it is not specifically mentioned, does not mean God has not provided the wisdom through His word on how to approach such an act.
In the Christ following community, everyone seems to be on different pages, just check google. For those of you connected to me, I decided to give my take on the subject.
Romans 14:23 says, “But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin”. Just from that verse alone, God has already ended the drawn out conversation by calling for us to walk away from anything that causes us to question our obedience to Christ.
Much like subject #1 I cannot sit here and say, “self gratification is a sin”, because it does not specifically say that it is in the bible. What I can say, is what I know, and that is that it leads to one of the main sinful open doors in many people's lives today, and that is lust, which has the potential to lead to fornication.
I’ve found that really it is lust that leads to self gratification, so if you’re tempted to self gratify, examine your thoughts. Oftentimes, it’s your lustful thoughts that leads you to act in certain ways that brings uncomfortability to your spirit man.
Pay attention to how your thoughts and actions make you feel. You are one with the spirit of God, so oftentimes, your feelings serve as a form of communication between you and God. If something feels off, it may very well be off. Nevertheless, you are to take this advice with a grain of salt because not every feeling is from God. Test your spirit by examining rather or not what you’re feeling is in correlation with the character or word of God.
Correlation (bringing it all together):
We are called to resist the devil and his schemes, and flee from temptation. The thing about “shacking” with someone you’re romantically involved with is that you’re smack dab in the blast zone to fall into sin. The temptation to fornicate is greater when you’re around someone you’re romantically involved with 24-7, especially if you’re sleeping with them.
Much like “shacking”, self gratification is very similar in that we’re unsure whether or not the act within itself is sinful, but we’re very well aware of how lust serves as the open door to this act. Mathew 5:28 says, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart”. So, yes, we are also held accountable for our thoughts. This is why daily I ask the Lord to forgive me for anything I may have said, thought, or have done that was not pleasing to Him because our thoughts oftentimes contradict the lives we lead.
Regarding the way we think, and how to keep our thoughts as clean as possible, it's important to watch what you feed your spirit. Proverbs 4:23 says to guard your heart, for everything flows from it. Be mindful of what you let into your ear and eye gates.
Subjects like these we have to ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and understanding. When we are living lives that we feel are in tune with the flow of the Holy Spirit, we shouldn’t ignore when some of our old habits cause us to feel discomfort as we get closer to God. That discomfort may very well be the Holy Spirit leading you towards a more righteous path by implanting conviction which will lead to correction.
Scripture to reflect on:
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation[a] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted[b] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,[c] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Proverbs 6:25
Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes.
Romans 8:6
The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
