Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Matt 10
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1 Tm 4:12
That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Phil 2:15
Recently we heard about a married bible teacher who fell into a sinful relationship with a younger woman and it made us sad. If only some basic wise boundaries were used in their body; NONE of it had to happen. I also had a young brother ask about a situation where he needed some insight on regarding a female co worker. This article quickly discusses common sense biblical and wise protections to have in a local New Testament body and in every day life, to protect us, God's witness and all involved. These items below may seem really basic and simple but you would be amazed at many bodies that do NOT practice these simple ways to remove any issues. These give walls and protections for people to properly relate to each other.
This is a list but not a all inclusive one by no means:
1) single men and woman are to NEVER be alone with others of the opposite sex. This removes any temptation and any witness being corrupted or harmed. If you have to change jobs to make this happen it is worth it. (even when headed to married a controlled, accountable hands off courtship is needed)
2) children are NEVER to be left alone with anyone but close relatives (even other younger children with older that are nor related / children unsupervised is NOT a good idea ever)
3) husbands and wives are to work to be close/best friends and together as much as possible with NO close relationships between them. (this binds them and removes outside influences)
4) men and woman are NOT to be touching, hugging or having long communication with a opposite sex person they are not related or married to. Short niceties oh yes, but lots of direct communication it is just not needed.
5) when out in the world keep your wits about you and do not be having much communication with opposite sex people unless it is totally required for why you are out in the world. Also keep yourself from being alone in a place with a opposite sex person. (in today's world, even same sex can be a issue so be aware)
6) keep activities out of the body that are not biblical like sports, silly games, foolishness and fleshly ways that increase physical closeness.
7) ladies/gentlemen need to be shamefaced towards direct one on one communication with each other, even in a group setting.
8) Men teachers/elders should NEVER counsel ladies alone but with their wives or others present.
9) Relationships outside of family/marriage are to be kept about biblical things and only with checks in place can they go beyond like work projects, witnessing, helping others etc
10) Things like solo singing, special ministry efforts or anything that lifts up one person (other then a man teaching the Word) so others take note of them is not biblical or wise.
It really is not complicated to do as men, woman and children need to just fill the role God gave them in the body.
*Men as teachers, leaders, fathers and authority in the home
*woman as the keeper at home and quiet in the body looking to her husband or headship for her guidance/questions.
*children to obey parents/elders and learn to be sober minded / chased
Other key points:
* there is WAY TOO MUCH NON biblical talking/relationship making in the body of Christ
*ACCOUNTABILITY.... everyone should have it in all situations.
If you think the measures listed here that we take are too cautious, prudish or silly; you are very wrong. The married man who fell allowed himself to be ALONE often with that young woman and he sinned. I know of another body that allowed children to play games with touching and unsupervised interaction and it led to a older boy touching a young girl sinfully. I also know of a grown man of almost 50 who was separated from his wife and allowed to go off in the woods playing games with a 16 year old girl (foolish) and he ended up having feelings for her and having indecent thoughts. All of these can be avoided by how we conduct ourselves and the life in the body, lest we follow our flesh that leads to death. (Romans 8)
God's Holy name, His body and our witness is on the line; what will you do to keep in protected and pure?
God be praised
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