Sunday, May 20, 2012

FLIRTING WITH DISASTER


Part 1 - WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
We're flirtin' with disaster, ya'll know what I mean 
And the way we run our lives it makes no sense to me 
I don't know about yourself or what you wanna to be, yeah 
When we gamble with our time we choose our destiny...(Molly Hatchet, 1979)


Thus began one of the more popular Southern Rock songs by Molly Hatchet. It is pretty interesting that the first line of that song ends with "ya'all know what I mean"! No we don't! What do you mean? This is the issue with Flirting, whether it's with disaster or destiny! We know where it could lead - DISASTER! Before we go any further, let's define what flirting is.

Webster's Dictionary says it is "moving erratically; behaving amorously without serious intent and showing superficial or casual interest or liking ( i.e. flirted with the idea ). It can also mean "experimenting and/or to coming close to reaching or experiencing something —used with with "flirting with disaster"!



At some point in our lives, we have all this. We are liars if we deny this. Most times oft flirting is used in relation to expressing interest with a member of the opposite sex. It can be a superficial or real, but unless you put a stop to it, a person really is "Flirting with Disaster"!

Looking at the dictionary definition of this, none of it sounds as wholesome as it should be. Let us see, the definition says the following words: erratically, amorously, superficial, experimenting or coming close to reaching or experiencing something! It does contain the words "flirting with disaster"! Does any of this sound edifying or Christ-like? No, it does not.



I have never heard the word "flirting" used in any other context except with making "nice" with somebody on the phone, in the office or even church. The temptation is to respond to a nice compliment about your appearance or something you did, but being ten times as nice about it, especially if the person saying it is very attractive. And MARRIED men, I am telling you, unless you have a grip on yourself through regular prayer and biblical grounding, you are going to fall fast on hard....in fact you will be gambling with your family, future and finances. You are creating a destiny from which they may be no return.


Jesus said in Matthew 5:28-29But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell"!

So are we to gouge our physical eyes out? No! We SHOULD draw on all the resources which Father put in us to gird up and guard up our spiritual hearts and souls when confronted with "flirting eyes" which are meant to lead you down a path you should not go.



Two things before wrapping up Part 1 of this short series on Flirting. If someone misconstrues the fact that you are just a friendly person (man or woman) and takes that to mean you are interested in them, inform them immediately. I speak from experience because this has happened to me in the past decade. Not only did I write that person a letter confirming that I had no interest whatsoever, with me being a very contented and happily married man, but I wished them the best. I also offered to pray for any requests she may have. Also, I informed my wife I was doing it and my 70 year old mentor and best friend in the Lord. So, don't gamble - get proactive and clarify immediately your intentions. In my case, I HAD NO intentions, but my personality was misunderstood. Should I stop being an agreeable sort because of this? Yes and no - yes, in the sense that I should realize not everyone will be open to Authentic Christian Joy and no, in the sense that if Jesus is the Lord of your life, you will NOT sin! It is as simple as that!


Secondly, remember that people are hurting, lost and or needy in these last days. They may have better clothes, cars and cabins than you and even smell better than your spouse, but inside they are empty and probably trapped in relationships which God did not ordain. God is your Father in Law. (I know He is Who arranged my marriage when I was a wild and crazy guy and "flirting with disaster" as a single young man in the 1980's. He has a sense of humor and gave me a wife who was a teetotaler and daughter of a Southern Baptist preacher!)

Most flirting starts and continues daily in offices. So be wary of vulnerable members of the opposite sex looking for a willing ear who will listen and empathize with them.  I have seen too many second marriages of co-workers happen because this kind of them, and after hours drinks at the pub lead to adultery, divorce and disaster. GUARD YOUR HEART



TOMORROW:  PART 2 -  "RUN LIKE HELL"!

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