Pitfalls: Small compromises

We've all heard the antecdote about the frog in the boiling water.  The same is true with sexual immorality.  Satan knows that an upfront attack will often be resisted, but a long slow increase of sensuality combined with small compromises will eventually lead to a fall. 

In today's over-sexualized world it is nearly impossible to read a magazine, watch tv, surf the internet, or even walk down the street without encountering something that tempts the eyes.  Small compromises begin when we allow ourselves to enjoy little wordly pleasures, eye candy if you will.  We might try to rationalize these decisions (I close my eyes during the sex scenes, you can't see anything, they're married on the show, etc) 

Television shows are one of the greatest sources of compromise I see in the lives of christians.  We enjoy being entertained by all sorts of stories, characters, crimes, etc.  There are quite a few shows I had to quit watching because, like Lot, I could feel my soul being tormented by what I was watching (2 Peter 2:8).  It's not always just sexual imagery either.  When we compromise our standards in one area such as violent and sadistic shows, we are more likely to compromise in other areas as well. 

The christian who thinks they can watch anything they want without being effected spiritually is fooling themselves.

Pinterest and other similar sites can be harmless in and of themselves.  But explicit images are always lurking just beneath the surface of many websites.  Even the advertisements for many news outlets can be considered explicit.

Many cases of adultery are slow processes of small compromises that eventually lead to the act.  Flirting, emotional discussions, working closely together, texting, calling, etc create an environment of desire and temptation in the mind.  These type of relationships need to be cut off before there is opportunity to act.  Feelings may get hurt and friendships may be lost but marriages will be strengthened as a result.   

When we allow bits and pieces of sensual imagery into our minds we feel the beast in our hearts begin to stir.  This is the time to immediately cut off the source of the temptation.  Before we even know what happened we can fall back into pursuing lust.