How We Strip Off and Keep Off the Old Personality -"DEADEN" ANY DESIRES "AS RESPECTS SEXUAL IMMORALITY"

What would you do if your clothing became dirty, perhaps even having a foul odor? You would strip off the soiled garment as soon as possible.  Similarly, we need to act with urgency in obeying the command to strip off habits that are contrary to God's personality.  We want to heed Paul's clear instruction to Christians in his day: "You must put them all away from you."   Let us consider two of the sinful practices listed by Paul-sexual immorality and uncleanness. -Read Colossians 3:5-9.


Sexual immorality. The meaning of the original Bible word translated "sexual immorality" includes  sexual relations between individuals who are not legally married to each other and homosexuality.  Paul told fellow Christians to "deaden" their "body members"-that is to eliminate any desires-"as respects sexual immorality."  Paul's descriptive language clearly shows that strong measures are needed to wipe out such wrong desires.  Yet, the fight against sinful desires can be won. 


Note: They sure can, if you love Jehovah God and want to please him, you will take a vow of celibacy and keep it. I did it and have continued to do so for many years now. It really isn't as difficult as you think. 


Consider  what happened to Sakura from Japan.  Growing up, she struggled with loneliness and a feeling of emptiness. From the age of 15, she began to have sexual relations with different partners in order to relieve her loneliness.  "As a result," she confesses with shame, "I had three abortions." She explains:  "At first, I got a sense of security when have immoral relations, thinking that I was needed and loved.  But the more  I had sexual relations, the more insecure I felt.  This way of life continued until Sakura was 23 years old.  Then she began to study the Bible with the Witnesses. Sakura loved what she learned, and with Jehovah's help she was able to overcome deep feelings of guilt and shame and to put away sexual immorality.  Sakura now serves as a regular pioneer and no longer feels lonely.  Instead, as she puts it, "I am really happy to be basking in Jehovah's love day in and day out."

Next time: How We Strip Off and Keep Off the Old Personality - OVERCOMING UNCLEAN PRACTICES


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