Growth Do You Guard your Thoughts Carefully?

[Sandy Zalecki]

Question: "What is spiritual adultery?"

Answer: Spiritual adultery is unfaithfulness to God. It is having an undue fondness for the things of the world. Spiritually adultery is analogous to the unfaithfulness of one’s spouse: “‘But like a woman faithless to her lover, even so have you been faithless to me, O house of Israel,’ says the LORD” (Jeremiah 3:20; see also Isaiah 1:21; 57:8; Ezekiel 16:30).

The Bible tells us that people who choose to be friends with the world are an “adulterous people” having “enmity against God” (James 4:4–5). The “world” here is the system of evil under Satan’s control (John 12:31; Ephesians 2:2; 1 John 5:19). The world system, with its contrived and deceitful scheme of phony values, worthless pursuits, and unnatural affections, is designed to lure us away from a pure relationship with God. Spiritual adultery, then, is the forsaking of God’s love and the embracing of the world’s values and desires (Romans 8:7–8; 2 Timothy 4:10; 1 John 2:15–17).

Spiritual adultery includes any form of idolatry. In the Old Testament, the children of Israel tried to mix the worship of other gods such as Baal with that of God (Judges 3:7; 1 Kings 16:31–33; Jeremiah 19:5). In doing so, Israel became like an adulterous wife who wanted both a husband and another lover (Jeremiah 9:2; Ezekiel 6:9; 16:32). In the New Testament, James defines spiritual adultery as claiming to love God while cultivating friendship with the world (James 4:4–5). The person who commits spiritual adultery is one who professes to be a Christian yet finds his real love and pleasure in the things that Satan offers. For believers, the love of the world and the love of God are direct opposites. Believers committing spiritual adultery may claim to love the Lord, but, in reality, they are captivated by the pleasures of this world, its influence, comforts, financial security, and so-called freedoms.

The concept of spiritual adultery against God is a major theme throughout the Old Testament (Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 3:20; Ezekiel 16:15–19). This theme is illustrated especially well in the book of Hosea. The prophet’s wife, Gomer, symbolizes the infidelity of the children of Israel (Hosea 2:2–5; 3:1–5; 9:1). Hosea’s commitment to Gomer symbolizes God’s faithful, patient love with His erring people.

Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other” (Matthew 6:24). The Bible exhorts us, “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:15–16). Believers must echo the words of the old hymn: “The world behind me, the cross before me; no turning back.”

“As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:14–16). Spiritual adultery is like trying to straddle the fence with one foot in the world and the other heaven. We cannot have both. As Jesus warned the church in Laodicea, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:15–16).

The love of the world is primarily an attitude of one’s heart, and we can cast away worldliness by cultivating a new affection. To avoid spiritual adultery, “set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2, KJV).



Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-adultery.html#ixzz2smvYE74T

Great post. You expound on my point very well.

 

[King James]

One problem is most people will always be the "little children" or "milk drinkers" who will never understand many things. That's fine, that's just how it is. We should still all see each other as equal creations and not try to be people's parents or their God. That will guarantee they will never break thru the earthly barriers and your ego will hinder your own development at that point. Guide by example is the best approach. We are what we become and we become what we are. The "little children" or "milk drinkers" cannot understand this. Their life is dependent of a human hierarchy. I find you have to re-prove yourself to these people as none of your past counts. Anything you didn't grow or experience in front of them never happened. It might be annoying for you to have to go thru. Just realize these people would have to live a few hundred years to be on the same level with you so it's better not to expose yourself. Let them create you in their own image. What does it matter? It's easiest and best. Honestly, in many cases you can get more done with them behind the scenes with the "village idiot" status than being their "alpha". It can't be helped so it must be God's way. Don't get angry. The "little children" or "milk drinkers" are just that. Have some patience. Do children or the mentally disabled get the same treatment as an adult in our justice system? I guess we are kind of "agents" in that sense. Sometimes it is smart to appear as stupid. Appear as evil to do good. "When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all." God from Futurama. I like this saying because sometimes when you are trying to do something good for people and they find out, they will try to stop you since they are worried it will have an effect on yours or their hierarchy position, the greater good matters nothing to them. With all this being said, never judge another based on your image. We all develop at different times at different ways. Just because some one is behind you in one area doesn't mean they are in all areas. Also, never expose what level you are currently at or what you aspire to do as it could lead to your destruction. Only expose your old truths and wisdom. The best secrets are between you and God.

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

One problem is most people will always be the "little children" or "milk drinkers" who will never understand many things. That's fine, that's just how it is. We should still all see each other as equal creations and not try to be people's parents or their God. That will guarantee they will never break thru the earthly barriers and your ego will hinder your own development at that point. Guide by example is the best approach. We are what we become and we become what we are. The "little children" or "milk drinkers" cannot understand this. Their life is dependent of a human hierarchy. I find you have to re-prove yourself to these people as none of your past counts. Anything you didn't grow or experience in front of them never happened. It might be annoying for you to have to go thru. Just realize these people would have to live a few hundred years to be on the same level with you so it's better not to expose yourself. Let them create you in their own image. What does it matter? It's easiest and best. Honestly, in many cases you can get more done with them behind the scenes with the "village idiot" status than being their "alpha". It can't be helped so it must be God's way. Don't get angry. The "little children" or "milk drinkers" are just that. Have some patience. Do children or the mentally disabled get the same treatment as an adult in our justice system? I guess we are kind of "agents" in that sense. Sometimes it is smart to appear as stupid. Appear as evil to do good. "When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all." God from Futurama. I like this saying because sometimes when you are trying to do something good for people and they find out, they will try to stop you since they are worried it will have an effect on yours or their hierarchy position, the greater good matters nothing to them. With all this being said, never judge another based on your image. We all develop at different times at different ways. Just because some one is behind you in one area doesn't mean they are in all areas. Also, never expose what level you are currently at or what you aspire to do as it could lead to your destruction. Only expose your old truths and wisdom. The best secrets are between you and God.

It is our job to disciple the "little children" and "milk drinkers" to a new position in Christ. If know one know you have done anything, how can they know you have impacted their lives? Certainly when God split the Red Sea and Jesus dies on the cross people knew it.

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

One problem is most people will always be the "little children" or "milk drinkers" who will never understand many things. That's fine, that's just how it is. We should still all see each other as equal creations and not try to be people's parents or their God. That will guarantee they will never break thru the earthly barriers and your ego will hinder your own development at that point. Guide by example is the best approach. We are what we become and we become what we are. The "little children" or "milk drinkers" cannot understand this. Their life is dependent of a human hierarchy. I find you have to re-prove yourself to these people as none of your past counts. Anything you didn't grow or experience in front of them never happened. It might be annoying for you to have to go thru. Just realize these people would have to live a few hundred years to be on the same level with you so it's better not to expose yourself. Let them create you in their own image. What does it matter? It's easiest and best. Honestly, in many cases you can get more done with them behind the scenes with the "village idiot" status than being their "alpha". It can't be helped so it must be God's way. Don't get angry. The "little children" or "milk drinkers" are just that. Have some patience. Do children or the mentally disabled get the same treatment as an adult in our justice system? I guess we are kind of "agents" in that sense. Sometimes it is smart to appear as stupid. Appear as evil to do good. "When you do things right, people won't be sure you've done anything at all." God from Futurama. I like this saying because sometimes when you are trying to do something good for people and they find out, they will try to stop you since they are worried it will have an effect on yours or their hierarchy position, the greater good matters nothing to them. With all this being said, never judge another based on your image. We all develop at different times at different ways. Just because some one is behind you in one area doesn't mean they are in all areas. Also, never expose what level you are currently at or what you aspire to do as it could lead to your destruction. Only expose your old truths and wisdom. The best secrets are between you and God.

It is our job to disciple the "little children" and "milk drinkers" to a new position in Christ. If know one know you have done anything, how can they know you have impacted their lives? Certainly when God split the Red Sea and Jesus dies on the cross people knew it.

 

[Deborah13]

It is our job to disciple the "little children" and "milk drinkers" to a new position in Christ. If know one know you have done anything, how can they know you have impacted their lives? Certainly when God split the Red Sea and Jesus dies on the cross people knew it.

Sorry Sandy, I don't understand your question.
I do agree with you about helping young Christians in their walk, mostly by setting an example although some are led into special jobs that require more.

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

Sorry Sandy, I don't understand your question.
I do agree with you about helping young Christians in their walk, mostly by setting an example although some are led into special jobs that require more.

Sorry you don't understand. It was a reply to a post by King James. He said, "When you do things right, people won't be sure you and done anything at all. God from Futurama." People know when God does something, like part the Red Sea. I didn't understand his post.

 

[Deborah13]

Sorry you don't understand. It was a reply to a post by King James. He said, "When you do things right, people won't be sure you and done anything at all. God from Futurama." People know when God does something, like part the Red Sea. I didn't understand his post.

I didn't understand his post either.....

 

[Edward]

Sorry you don't understand. It was a reply to a post by King James. He said, "When you do things right, people won't be sure you and done anything at all. God from Futurama." People know when God does something, like part the Red Sea. I didn't understand his post.

Whether or not the people know if you have done something, you have planted a seed within them and then the Holy Spirit can follow them home and water it. We have to try. Especially milk drinkers, those of the faith.

 

[Gary]

It is our job to disciple the "little children" and "milk drinkers" to a new position in Christ. If know one know you have done anything, how can they know you have impacted their lives? Certainly when God split the Red Sea and Jesus dies on the cross people knew it.

Who's to decide who the "milk drinkers" are?

As King James stated, just because someone doesn't walk and talk exactly as we do, it doesn't automatically make them "milk drinkers".

I will forever be considered a milk drinker simply because I don't attend church. Even though I've been at this for over 30 years, the fact that I don't attend church makes me inferior to those who do.

We can't judge others based on our own perception of who we are. Instead of putting ourselves up on pedestals, we need to allow others to do that for us. Let them be the judge of who we are.

We are called to be servants. Lead by example.

 

[Deborah13]

Who's to decide who the "milk drinkers" are?

As King James stated, just because someone doesn't walk and talk exactly as we do, it doesn't automatically make them "milk drinkers".

I will forever be considered a milk drinker simply because I don't attend church. Even though I've been at this for over 30 years, the fact that I don't attend church makes me inferior to those who do.

We can't judge others based on our own perception of who we are. Instead of putting ourselves up on pedestals, we need to allow others to do that for us. Let them be the judge of who we are.

We are called to be servants. Lead by example.

Well, I don't think you are inferior because you don't attend church.

 

[iLOVE]

As Ambassadors for Christ, representing the kingdom of God, we are called to be the salt and light in this temporary world we live in. Until we are called home where our true citizenship is we are command by our King Lord Jesus Christ to not just hold onto our salt. Ambassadors may be the only church you hear. So our King Lord Jesus has commanded us to sprinkle our salt to give taste to the church (believers) and non-believers to bring change. We are to...always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Ephesians 4:2 NLT

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

Who's to decide who the "milk drinkers" are?

As King James stated, just because someone doesn't walk and talk exactly as we do, it doesn't automatically make them "milk drinkers".

I will forever be considered a milk drinker simply because I don't attend church. Even though I've been at this for over 30 years, the fact that I don't attend church makes me inferior to those who do.

We can't judge others based on our own perception of who we are. Instead of putting ourselves up on pedestals, we need to allow others to do that for us. Let them be the judge of who we are.

We are called to be servants. Lead by example.

I have had times when I did not go to church for awhile. They always throw this in your face, "An let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manor of some, but exhorting one another, and so much more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:34-25) Should I go to an assembly of the Body of Christ? Yes, but if they beat me up all the time I am in the wrong place. I find that many pastors feel that is their job, not to exhort their followers, but to beat them up. I will not go to such a church. Church leadership wants me to fulfill my responsibility but they don't want to fulfill theirs.

 

[Edward]

Related, but slightly off topic...Is it really church-hopping if we are one body in Christ?

 

[farouk]

Re. one's thought-life, Philippians 4.8 contains a good challenge.

Blessings.

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

Related, but slightly off topic...Is it really church-hopping if we are one body in Christ?

Don't know, that's a good question. It is lack of commitment though when you go from one church to another all the time.

 

[Edward]

Don't know, that's a good question. It is lack of commitment though when you go from one church to another all the time.

Perhaps. Good point. Maybe when we find ourselves in a certain church that has a problem in a certain area that gives many the urge to move on, that in fact, that is why we are in that church, and instead of moving on, we would be more in tune with the Lords will to stay and allow the Lord to make changes through you to the church? One person (GOD!) can make a difference. History shoes that repeatedly. That's a good enough question to perhaps have it's own thread. Hmm.

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

Perhaps. Good point. Maybe when we find ourselves in a certain church that has a problem in a certain area that gives many the urge to move on, that in fact, that is why we are in that church, and instead of moving on, we would be more in tune with the Lords will to stay and allow the Lord to make changes through you to the church? One person (GOD!) can make a difference. History shoes that repeatedly. That's a good enough question to perhaps have it's own thread. Hmm.

Yes, it is, feel free to post it in this forum. A lot of churches are out of God's will. They are not the true Body of Christ. That could be the reason for the search. Other people change churches because they are "consumer Christians." They are trying to find the church that serves them the best instead of trying to serve in the church. Lots of different reasons for church hopping.

 

[Edward]

I have had times when I did not go to church for awhile. They always throw this in your face, "An let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manor of some, but exhorting one another, and so much more as you see the Day approaching." (Hebrews 10:34-25) Should I go to an assembly of the Body of Christ? Yes, but if they beat me up all the time I am in the wrong place. I find that many pastors feel that is their job, not to exhort their followers, but to beat them up. I will not go to such a church. Church leadership wants me to fulfill my responsibility but they don't want to fulfill theirs.

But maybe, that's the church that needs your presence!

Time is very short. We are to try to lift up those who lack understanding, those of the faith, but milk drinkers and lacking. Being a milk drinker is a secure place, But! We are to strive to mature. The biggest thing that hinders us from helping others, is...pride of course. Are we teachable? No one knows it all, and many feel they do. A natural flesh reaction. So they get defensive when they should be humble and meek. Admit when you were wrong, it's not that big of a deal. We all make mistakes. I am a prime example of that. I know some things, other times, I crash and burn. I am the first and only one to ever make a mistake...yeah right.

So what to do when we can not help and are offended by the prideful ones? If we make a mistake ourselves in trying to help and they catch it, they're like a-HA! and begin to tear you down all that they can. We can't do it. Our flesh minds are unreliable. Oh, that's right, we're supposed to be living for/being led by the Spirit, which we really know very little about and have all been taught that that's of the devil. But the Holy Spirit is a big boy and has so much more power and understanding than us. We are merely sowers of seed. I'm starting to feel like, don't try so hard to...help others (consciously). That we should merely try to grow up ourselves and live it. In this way, the Holy Spirit is released to more control of our actions and our light will be enough to plant the proper seed in the ones which need help. Perhaps many times, we don't even need to try to help/teach them, why are words necessary? They confuse, offend, and distract. Walk the walk, the light will shine, the Holy Spirit can do His job then and in a better way than we ever could.

Imagine a seed sower in a field. Flinging handfuls of seed to and fro. Does he see where all of the seeds land? No. Yet they grow. Interesting perspective...

 

[Sandy Zalecki]

But maybe, that's the church that needs your presence!

Time is very short. We are to try to lift up those who lack understanding, those of the faith, but milk drinkers and lacking. Being a milk drinker is a secure place, But! We are to strive to mature. The biggest thing that hinders us from helping others, is...pride of course. Are we teachable? No one knows it all, and many feel they do. A natural flesh reaction. So they get defensive when they should be humble and meek. Admit when you were wrong, it's not that big of a deal. We all make mistakes. I am a prime example of that. I know some things, other times, I crash and burn. I am the first and only one to ever make a mistake...yeah right.

So what to do when we can not help and are offended by the prideful ones? If we make a mistake ourselves in trying to help and they catch it, they're like a-HA! and begin to tear you down all that they can. We can't do it. Our flesh minds are unreliable. Oh, that's right, we're supposed to be living for/being led by the Spirit, which we really know very little about and have all been taught that that's of the devil. But the Holy Spirit is a big boy and has so much more power and understanding than us. We are merely sowers of seed. I'm starting to feel like, don't try so hard to...help others (consciously). That we should merely try to grow up ourselves and live it. In this way, the Holy Spirit is released to more control of our actions and our light will be enough to plant the proper seed in the ones which need help. Perhaps many times, we don't even need to try to help/teach them, why are words necessary? They confuse, offend, and distract. Walk the walk, the light will shine, the Holy Spirit can do His job then and in a better way than we ever could.

Imagine a seed sower in a field. Flinging handfuls of seed to and fro. Does he see where all of the seeds land? No. Yet they grow. Interesting perspective...

I have not been to many churches where I didn't feel like pastors were trying to beat the congregation into submission. That is not of God according to Hebrews 10. It has gotten so bad with me sometimes I have been accuses of stealing when the pastor was actually stealing from me. We had one church one time that had a sheriff on the board. They actually sent half the swat team out to try and intimidate us. This is a true story!! One church we went to was struggling we felt the Lord wanted us help them out and the Lord gave us the tools to help him. We repeatedly went to him telling him we would like the serve in the church and he refused us every time. The sermons were so horrible and the spirits that were in that church were so bad that my husband and I were so frustrated that every time we got out of church we got in a fight and we never fight. What did Jesus say to the disciples, if they don't accept you "dust off you feet" and go somewhere else.

 

[Edward]

Wow. Yeah, maybe you're right on that one. It seems like God is moving in the church today. There are so many vids on Youtube of nice churches with a great message, and miracles happening and all sorts of goodness. Of course it can't be universal and the bad churches don't post vids. Your story blows my mind.

My church is a good church. They have a great outreach into the community, teach grace through faith, and line by line in the Word rather than jumping around all the time (which I very much like). It's a huge church, but modest decor. I guess I got lucky, praise the Lord. I should be more active in the church.