more sex and stuff

In the last post I talked about the ways Paul portrays sexual sin. Sexual sin is real and it is present and, like all other sin, it is about who is in charge. Are my desires in charge or is God in charge of my desires? God sets up sexual intimacy to build on the foundation of the complementary relationship of a husband and wife. Sexual desire plays an important role in God’s design as “completing one another” goes to the very core of our humanity. One “being” or “person,” as Jesus has in mind (Matthew 19:6). God designs us, and when he is in the driver’s seat, it is OK to go on the journey. If our desires take over and we go in different directions, we are no longer living in his reality. Sexual sin is not part of the real life God designs for us. Then Paul takes it further.

“Don't be greedy for the good things of this life, for that is idolatry.”

What are these good things? “Stuff,” more than anything. Does your stuff and all that surrounds it become an obsessive focus in your life? Sexual sin is real and it is prevalent. The videotape of the mind is running. So is being obsessive with stuff.

Like sexual sin, material obsession knows no boundaries of humanity. The rich and the poor, and everyone in between partake in equal opportunity material obsession. The drive for more if you have little or much takes over.

I always find it interesting when people design theologies that focus only on the wealthy when it comes to being obsessed over stuff. Either they have never been poor or have never known poor people, but the fact is it takes supernatural intervention is say, “Enough,” regardless of your circumstances in life.

The sin here is a matter of security more than anything else. If your security is focused on anything but Jesus first, you are going to have issues with God. We hear a lot about social security, and 401 K’s and the like, but there is only one form of security that lasts. “Hidden with Christ in God,” under the power of the Holy Spirit.

The 3 in 1 plan.