Maintaining Purity
by adustyframe ~ December 17th, 2008Do you believe this is an area I have to guard in my life? Me and old married lady?
Yep! I’ve noticed the evil one lurking around the corners of my heart the last few weeks too.
Bringing things to my mind that I do not need to think about or dwell on.
I am very careful what I watch on TV or movies. I’m also careful what I read.
I’ve noticed that since Lee has been gone for almost 2 weeks, it’s very easy for me to think about what I’m missing.
I haven’t had a kiss in almost 2 weeks and it will be much longer before I get one.
It would be very easy for me to read or watch things that I should not. I’m not talking about “smutty” books or movies either. You and I both know that there are MANY books, TV shows, and movies that put our minds in places they should not be.
I believe that it’s very easy for women who deal with marriage issues to be temtped in this area.
I am also careful about my online activivites. I need to guard against emotional attachments to any other man. Whether or not it’s “innocent” and “nothing happened”, I don’t want to go there.
Because my husband is no longer with me in social and church situations, I am also careful that I don’t place myself in situations that could look “wrong”.
I thought about writing this post before, but didn’t. Due to the recent changes in our situation, I’ve been thinking about it again.
You can pray for me to maintain purity. Maybe it sounds strange to you that I’d admit this is an area that I need to guard, but it’s the truth.
The devil knows that I miss my husband and that I enjoy being married. I must depend on God to care for my heart and to keep me close to him.
I want God to guard me and work in my life, but I am the one who chooses what to watch, read, and listen to.
I’ve heard people say, “It’s a small thing” Or “It’s just a book.” I don’t agree. Anything that draws me away from being right with God or places my mind where it does not belong, is not a small thing.
December 17th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
It is all too easy for all of us. To wish our husband was more like so and so. Not a good way to go. To watch something because you ‘like’ the male actor. To get emotional about things because of what you have read or watched. I often wonder, if we kept a much tighter rein on these things, whether so many marriages would break down- maybe we are already headed down roads of unfaithfulness and discontent through slackenss rather than intent, and then before we know it things are spiralling. Youa re so right- sin is rarely a rapid thing- it builds and deadens the conscience. Thank you for posting this. We can pray for each other- I believe we are all prone to not maintaining purity, whatever our marital status.
December 17th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
Wow, I bet so many of us could write the exact same post. We try to hide our sin behind our Christian label. Nobody thinks anyone else could be tempted by this thing. I bet we are all tempted by this in some way or another. Guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Ask me how it is that this verse is so fresh on my mind!
December 17th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Purity is a struggle for everyone. One of the easier pitfalls for us, since temptations are everywhere. Even walking down the street on billboards and posters! Will pray that you’ll make the right choices and the Lord will protect you.
December 17th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
I think you are very wise to be cautious. This is an area where temptations can come upon as so gradually we don’t really notice them. Good post!
December 17th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Every wrong act begins with a little step….you are very perceptive to guard your heart…it reminds me of the song “Be careful little eyes what you see”…it is no less important as adults.
I was single for 17 years (after my divorce) I got lots of praise and recognition at my job and it felt great….but…I know now that even if I don’t always get the praise I would like from my husband….my job is to please the Lord…not man (even my man)…Lizzie you are a Godly woman…
December 17th, 2008 at 8:27 pm
Lizzie,
Thanks for your transparency. I’m always touched by it, even if I rarely (never) comment. I agree with you, that this is a very common issue for anyone going through marriage trials. I’m glad you’ve given a voice to it so that others might take strength from your bravery. It’s only when we speak up that we can get the support we so desperately need. Your example may help someone else speak up. You’re often in my prayers as you walk this trial.
December 17th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing, Lizzie. When my husband and I were going through a difficult time (together), I struggled with this also. It helped my struggle and my relationship with my husband when I confessed it to him, although I was initially mortified to do so.
December 18th, 2008 at 9:50 am
Although to many folks talk about this is “TMI” too much information, it is a struggle whenever you are “single”–even if it’s just your hubby is on a hunting trip with the guys for the weekend. One of the reasons I don’t read much fiction is it all goes “there” eventually anymore–or so it seems. I even gave up on a contemporary history book that seemed incapable of discussion anything but the “intimate” lives of the people it was discussing. I more than understand your predicament! Good post!
December 18th, 2008 at 10:26 am
I did a talk on this once…
I am praying for you!
December 18th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Thank you, Lizzie. I definitely needed that word of wisdom and admonition. I’m often far too careless with the “little” things.
December 21st, 2008 at 2:55 pm
If it concerns you, then it isn’t a small thing. Hang in there. Your devotion to your husband is a testament to your devotion to Christ.
February 9th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
[...] few weeks ago, I shared with you about my goal to maintain purity. Shortly after that, I found myself dealing with something that I didn’t [...]