The ultimate temptation for mostly all people can be found in the areas of sex and lust. Even though the statistics are higher for men than they are women this is still a problem today. I truly believe no one is exempt from this temptation. The 1John 2:16 says 'For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. Sex and lust has been the thorn in the side for thousands of years. We can look back on the exploits of King David and his secret desires for Beersheba. We can trace even to current times with the recent sexual scandal with former U.S. President Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. Sex and lust is all around us. Have you ever noticed on television that whenever they want to sell a product they will use a beautiful woman to attract attention to the product? Look around you and you will see businesses like Hooters who display their waitresses around in low cut t-shirts and tight shorts to sell food. Just about all of the car dealerships use beautiful women spoke persons to sell their cars. The older I get I get discouraged on how much we are driven by sex and lust in our lives. Today sex is displayed carelessly and irresponsibly instead of something to be honored and respected, Lust can come in many different forms other than sex. There can be lust for money and possessions. The world constantly reminds us of how we should be discontented because we don't have the right car.

The world tells us our lives would be perfect if we can take the right vacation or wear the right clothes or marry the right person. Oh crazy is that? time, effort and money people invest in their bodies. I have seen a woman that was less. I remembered when my son was little he wanted the latest and greatest in sneakers and jeans. My son really wanted these things in order to fit in with his friends. I remembered telling him that people will not judge by what you wear but by the fruit that comes out of your life. It is so easy to hide behind material things. It is so easy to hide behind good looks or a good body. This is really the façade that fools us all. Nobody has it all!!! Everyone from the president to the poor person in the street is dealing with his or her own issues! If it's not money, it's your unhappiness about your job. If it's not your weight, you're unhappy about your current status in life. When it comes down to it. It's never good enough!!!! If you continue in the endless search to find total satisfaction you will drive yourself to madness! What's the answer? The answer is to re-shape your thinking through a total relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Godly things will replace the superficial things in your life. Jesus will inspire you to take value in things that will bless you, not curse you. Sex and Lust will become something that you find disgusted. As a fitness instructor I am constantly around beautiful women all the time. I had to trust Jesus to deliver me from sex and lust. I still find women to be attractive but a flag goes up against anything or any person that threatens my relationship with my wife. I love God more than I love anything and because of that love I can properly respect women. It's because of that love nothing can separate me from my relationship with Jesus. I am not saying that I can't be tempted. I am just saying that the more I love Jesus the more I can live for him.

Sex and lust are spirits that can consume a person life. If you struggle with this issue I strongly urge you to stop what you are doing now and ask the Lord Jesus to heal you in this area. No one is exempt from it. There is no shame in asking for help in this area. 1 John 1:9 says 'that if we confess our sins He (Jesus) is faithful and just to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.' So if you just asked Jesus to heal you in this area I truly believe God is beginning a good work in you.

God Bless.

Sgt.Roy