Not being American and English being my second language, I have just learned a new expression: hooking up. The USA is not the only country where sexual standards are not what God had in mind. I believe that this problem is worldwide and the cause of much distress, mayhem and diseases. I pray that one day this problem won't exist anymore. - Fritz

Fritz, I am so glad to hear some one from another country say what you have written. Christians are not the only ones who should be concerned about this issue. People as a whole are obsesed with sex, and feel like they can't live without it. To be honest about all thru the Bible many different gods had some form of sexual worship. God ment for sex to be between a husband and a wife but again mankind has distorted Gods plan. - Jerry

This is one of the many areas in our lives, where following Christian principles is just so logical. It would save us so many problems and heartaches.

*Janice - I left a comment for you on yesterday's devotion. - Melanie

This is one of the major problems I am having as a Christian. I am trying to remove myself from a sexual relationship with a mand that is not my husband. The hard part is he won't let me go and I just keep giving in to his temptation. The situation is awkward because we work together and neither one of us can transfer at the moment.

At this time, I am trying to accept my calling and do the work God has for me, but this is a major hindrance. I feel so trapped, my spirit man is depressed and I know God is very unhappy with me.

Through a message during Sunday service, God spoke thru the pastor of my church and said, "I am committed to a dead thing." The sad part is that I know this is a fact.

Typing this is making me sad and depressed. Thinking about it makes me sad and depressed. - Sam

You may have heard the metaphor about cooking a frog that applies so well here. If you want to cook a frog, you can't throw it in boiling water. It will hop out. You have to put it in lukewarm water and turn up the heat gradually. It will enjoy the bath and not notice that it is being boiled to death until it's too late.

Can you imagine what it would be like if the things we see on TV, the Internet or in public today were suddenly thrust upon the people in the 1950s? They would be outraged. We've all been slowly desensitized to ignore this stuff. When I see and hear things about how Spring break is today, and how these activities are promoted by local businesses and TV networks, I think that's what it must have been like in ancient, pagan cultures.

Then I think about the hundreds of kids from our church who for their Spring break took mission trips to help build houses, visit orphanages, and spread the love of Jesus, and I realize that there is still hope. Totally opposite sides of the spectrum. It would be interesting to hear the "What did you do on your Spring break" conversations.
- Rick Y

Sam, it is very hard to resist temptation like this on your own. There is no reason to be depressed, though. You obviously care that you are not pleasing God, and are feeling the conviction of the Holy Spirit. That is a good thing. You know you have to stop the inappropriate relationship, but you can only do that in God's strength. You should also seek out a close friend or counselor at your church and let them know about your struggles. It helps having an accountability partner. - Rick Y

Thanks, Melanie, for your comment posted on yesterday's devotion. I commented back so you can check the archives. I appreciate your suggestions. That is what I needed.

Thanks, Rick Y, for your contrast of the two worlds of Spring Break. I guess I have a third world because we home school and it was class as usual. When I was young and a student my family never went anywhere for Spring Break so we carry on the tradition. But the missions trips sound great for those who are able. In my Sunday School class there was discussion of a beach Spring Break where a parent went with her own family and was witness to how it seemed some parents were almost egging on the ones they were responsible for by doing a video recording of the nonsense and immorality happening. When parents act as bad or worse than the young folks then there is anarchy. I know I would have been totally uncomfortable with being there at the beach and it would have been more like a suffering of Spring Break rather than a vacation. - Janice

Sam, please don't be depressed. I am so proud of you. You've made the first huge step of not being in denial that sex outside of marriage is not right or wise thing to do. Your next step needs to be is to let your partner know that you have firmly made this decision and why. I think you're a brave person and it will take bravely respecting yourself and standing firm. I know you're nervous and some of it may be that you know that this is not a true love that will withstand or understand your decision, but think about it wouldn't you really rather have someone that in marriage wants to make real love to you and not just have sex? I went through this with a friend of mine that was a new Christian and it was difficult, but she did have to let someone go that she had been dating. I won't lie, at first it was hard, but in the long run she was so much happier. Please get yourself very involved with a good church and you will eventually find a like minded person that will understand and will be there for you not only for sex, but for all of your attributes. I will be praying for you, as I am sure many others on this forum will. God bless you!! - CF

We're praying for you Sam. - Austin

Sam, God has everything you need to help you with your situation. What the others has said will be helpful but the only other thing I will tell you is to pray and get anyone you know who is a true Christian to also pray for you. I will lift you up to God in prayer. - Jerry

Sam, It is understandable that you feel sad and depressed because in the situation you must feel the devil is winning when you fall to temptation. The good news is that you believe in God and Jesus. That is where your hope is found. You can allow God to exert more power in your life than the devil has to tempt you with. The words of Jesus in John 16:33, " I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." So Sam, maybe you need to take your heart and open it up more fully to Jesus so you can have peace in the midst of temptation. Ask the Holy Spirit for the right words to end this relationship that should not be. Thank God that He does give us feelings of sadness, depression and conviction when we do wrong and we who are Christian know that we have all done wrong in various ways at various times. You are not alone in recognition of having done a sinful act and thank God that He made a provision through Jesus for us to be forgiven. May you be blessed by full knowledge of your forgiveness and by escape from future temptation. That blessing is directed not only to you, Sam, but to those others who are in need right now, too. - Janice

Thanks for sharing Sam, I know that took a lot of courage, but now you can get prayer from others too. I have a few people at my church, good friends who I share things with. You need that. I can't imagine what you are going through though, I am happily married for almost 19 years now. I firmly believe that is why men and women should not work together, it makes perfect sense. ANyway, hang in there and remember God hears your prayers, He loves you and He knows where your heart it. Praying for you too. - julie