I have been in the situation of being both alone and in groups with a woman
other than my wife. This is easy for me when I do not find the lady attractive
or have much admiration for her. Although, I have learned better because it is
not always about me. I have fled like Joseph from Potiphar's wife on several
occasions. Sometimes this makes the woman more aggressive and is always social
embarrassing for me. I have even had women flirt physically with me for no other
reason than they enjoy the power of making me uncomfortable.
And all this was mostly before I became so old and ladies were far . . . by far
less aggressive. Today, guys you are fish bait and don't know it.
[Mt 5:28] I find this odd. I know I am no Greek Adonis and if my spouse
thinks about another person, it really does not bother me. I still reap
the benefits let's face it…
Do you? 1 Co 10:12. It’s not about you--it’s about God. He is in your
covenant, as well (Mal 2:15). David knew that he sinned against the Lord (Ps
51:4). He repented (Ps 32, 51). His son didn’t, died and went to hell (1 Kin.
11:1–8.) Finish well is the point.
1 Pe 5:8, 1 Ti 1:19
My pastors tells a man to ask his wife how long is too long to look at a
woman who isn't his own.
God knows if your heart is pure or evil (Heb 13:4).
Restitution, flogging and the death penalty are sufficient punishments by the
way. No need for jails.
In Venezuela they feed their prisoners
dry pasta and feces. In our country?--bacon
wrapped filet mignon. We see the system works.
"...The Law was given to control the old Adamic nature, but it failed through
the infirmity of the flesh. The Law actually became a millstone around the neck
of the Israelite. It never lifted him up, but it kept him in slavery for fifteen
hundred years. Its demands had to be met, but man could not meet them. It was
indeed a ministration of condemnation." McGee, J. V. (1997). Thru the Bible
commentary (electronic ed., Vol. 4, p. 690). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
"...1 Jn 5:16, 17 John illustrates praying according to God’s will with the
specific example of the “sin leading to death.” Such a sin could be any
premeditated and unconfessed sin that causes the Lord to determine to end a
believer’s life. It is not one particular sin like homosexuality or lying, but
whatever sin is the final one in the tolerance of God. Failure to repent of and
forsake sin may eventually lead to physical death as a judgment of God (Acts
5:1–11; 1 Cor. 5:5; 11:30). No intercessory prayer will be effective for
those who have committed such deliberate high-handed sin, i.e., God’s discipline
with physical death is inevitable in such cases as He seeks to preserve the
purity of His church (see notes on 1 Cor. 5:5–7). The contrast to the phrase
“there is sin leading to death” with “there is sin not leading to death”
signifies that the writer distinguishes between sins that may lead to physical
death and those that do not. That is not to identify a certain kind of mortal or
non-mortal sin, but to say not all sins are so judged by God." MacArthur, J.,
Jr. (Ed.). (1997). The MacArthur Study Bible (electronic ed., p. 1974).
Nashville, TN: Word Pub.
Not yours is the point.
Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to
sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. James 1:15 (NKJV)
To deliver thee from the strange woman, Even from the stranger which flattereth with her
words; Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, And forgetteth the covenant of her God. For her house inclineth unto death, And her paths unto the dead. None that go unto her return again, Neither take they hold of the paths of life. Pr
2:16–19, KJV
It is natural and normal for men to notice and appreciate a woman's
beauty. Like others mentioned, intent matters. Don't stare lecherously.
Don't make her and other people around you uncomfortable. Don't
embarrass yourself.
Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? Nay, they were not at
all ashamed, neither could they blush (Je 6:15).
The vilest men
are exalted (Ps 12:8b).
Such is the way of an adulterous woman; She eateth, and wipeth her
mouth and saith, I have done no wickedness (Pr 30:20).
Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Co 10:12).
Some have made shipwreck of their faith (1 Ti 1:19b). I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into
great tribulation (Re 2:22a).
Receive this all with all readiness of mind.
Then, go home
and search the scriptures to see what is true.
Be ye likeminded (Phil 2:2a).
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word
with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those
things were so (Ac 17:11).
The objective for the Christian is to exercise the self-control
necessary to act in love and to bring glory to God.
So, we should do nothing which might lead to ill-effect for any of our
neighbors (fellowmen/women) ... or which might reflect unfavorably upon
the kingdom of God (of which we are a representative)...
We are to take our ambassadorship seriously (2 Cor. 5:20).