False Intimacy: An Illusion of Intimacy - Living Free - August 25
False Intimacy: An Illusion of Intimacy
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"Jesus said to the people who believed in him, 'You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free ... I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free.'" John 8:31-32, 34-36 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Men and women entangled in pornography and other illicit sexual activity are usually searching for intimacy. But they'll never find true intimacy that way. Why? Because true intimacy is possible only when sex is combined with a deep and flowing relationship. Sex without relationship is ultimately unfulfilling.
Sex alone cannot meet this need for intimacy and leaves the man or woman feeling empty inside. Thus, they often move on and pursue other encounters or relationships, determined to find what they are looking for. But false intimacy still does not satisfy and leads to more false intimacy. A cycle is created, and bondage follows.
Consider this …
The porn industry works to create an illusion of intimacy. The phone sex lines, Internet chat rooms, and escort services all conspire to give the impression that the woman (or man) cares about the customer. But it's all about money. There may be an occasional free teaser service, but then what happens if the customer cannot pay for more? How much love and concern is there for the customer then?
The industry develops the illusion of intimacy for one reason: to make money.
If you have been drawn in by this illusion, ask God to clear your vision. To help you see the truth. And then to help you escape the vicious cycle that has you in its web.
Prayer
Father, I realize I've been trying to fool myself. I've chosen to believe the illusion of intimacy. But it is an illusion. I've never been able to find real intimacy or fulfillment with any of these illicit activities. Please forgive me for even trying. Help me see the truth. I thank you that as I see the truth and trust Jesus, he will set me free. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from … Crossroads: Choosing the Road to Sexual Purity by David E. Longacre. Crossroads deals with choosing the road to sexual purity and is suggested for use in support groups and Christian counseling.
- Describes the sexual addiction process
- Shows how the sin of proximity often precedes sexual sins
- Shows the way out of sexual addiction
- Presents biblical insights to help a person break free and stay free
- Gives practical actions for renewing the mind
- Serves as a powerful evangelistic tool by providing a way to minister to people's felt needs and then pointing them to Christ
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