Men are responsible to control themselves
by Jesse R. Engle, Streetsboro, Ohio
Re material in The Mennonite about modesty and sexuality, it is time for men (in the church and outside it) to take responsibility for their thoughts and feelings regarding women. God has and continues to create women beautifully and values and loves them way beyond their outside appearance.
Just because a woman is beautiful does not mean she is a tease, flirt or sex object. Neither does it mean she cannot be strong, intelligent and delightful or that she is solely responsible for modesty. Men, we are responsible to control ourselves regarding women and their beauty.
We are responsible to control our thoughts, whether that woman is walking at a mall, preaching a God-given message, teaching our children’s school or leading our congregation in prayer. Men, stop making excuses and relinquishing your responsibility for self-control.
Men, it is not impossible to control ourselves. God offers us help in our weakness through the cross of Jesus. There is power through the Holy Spirit. But we must live into healthy boundaries. Embrace the total beauty of women the way God does—with sincere love, generous encouragement and perspective.
Associated Issue: Called by the spirit as broken vessels - July 24, 2007
Associated Article: Pornography seminar includes men, women
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