"Like A Moth to A Flame"

            

            I have an issue.  Sounds funny, but the reality is that I know I am not the only one.  Actually to be completely honest I have more than one problem, just like so many other people.  Everyone has problems.  It is identifying them, pinpointing the cracks in your defense and dealing with them in a Godly way that really matters.

            Out of my many problems/issues, I wanted to talk about my Moth to a Flame syndrome.  Yep, this is Krissycorrect terminology.  Acronym MTAF.  You might wonder, “What is MTAF?” I am going to break this down just like they would on WebMD:

OVERVIEW & FACTS:

Moth to a Flame Syndrome, A.K.A MTAF, is a disorder common to both men and women.  It occurs when people are attracted to people that are not good for them spiritually and/or in the flesh. In this attraction they make decisions to be involved romantically before they are married.

 It is brought on by the human response of excitement, danger, and for women, “the Bad-Boy Syndrome,” for men, “The Bad-Girl Syndrome.” 

SYMPTOMS & TYPES:

You may have experienced MTAF or are about to experience MTAF if you have any or all of the following symptoms:

1.)    If you are easily manipulated by the opposite sex

2.)    If you are easily flattered

3.)    If you have low self-esteem and feel that no one will ever love you or want you

4.)    If you believe that lust and love are the same thing

5.)    If you feel like the person you are with will leave if you don’t do what they want

6.)    If you have trouble keeping your flesh under control

TREATMENT & CARE:

1.)    Put God First

2.)    Pray

3.)    Read your Bible

4.)    Set Standards for your relationship

5.)    Get Accountability

6.)    Be Honest

7.)    Talk about important things

8.)    Spend time together with family and friends

9.)    Evaluate your relationship

10.)                        Seek Christian Counseling

LIVING & MANAGING:

            God created us to have physical desire.  However, His intention was for us to maintain a relationship with Him and to be married before we have a physical relationship with the opposite sex.

            I called this Moth to a Flame syndrome because, as human beings in the world that we live in now, it is considered an okay practice to have premarital relations with people.  If you are dating someone, sex is most of the time involved.  The idea is out there that it is okay to have sexual relations with others without a solid relationship. 

            I am not trying to put anyone on the spot.  I have been dealing with this issue myself.  We get so caught up in the moment and the excitement that we forget where our heads and heart should be.

            The Bible has many scriptures that pertain to fornification and purity.  The standard today is that we should just live life as it comes without thinking about the consequences later on.

            The Bible talks about becoming one with your husband/wife.  If you are becoming one with others as well you have made it possible for your mind to not be focused on the true enjoyment that a loving, Christian-based, relationship could be.

            I don’t know about ya’ll but I want to have that relationship when I get married.  I want to know that the person I am marrying loves me just as Christ loved the church.  I don’t want to live a life that is full of the next “fun” time or the debased way the world goes about their business today. 

IN CLOSING:

I am enclosing some scripture for food for thought.

1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8

Leviticus 11:44-45

1 John 3:2-3

Romans 12:1-2

Proverbs 6:27-29

1 Peter 3:3-5

Galatians 6:7-8

Proverbs 5:20-23

Proverbs 10:9

1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Titus 2:11-12

1 Peter 5:8

1 John 4:4

Matthew 15:19-20

Psalm 119:11

Matthew 5:28-30

Romans 13:14

Proverbs 4:23

Psalm 119:37

2 Corinthians 10:5

            There are many more scriptures on this topic.  I just want to share what God is telling me with others.  We all make mistakes in life.  Unfortunately, we believe the lies of the world and try to conform to the standards of a time full of ungodliness.

            Life is meant worth living.  But it is meant to be lived for God, of God and for the work of God.  If we are patient God will bring us someone He created especially for us. Start saying NO!  And put God first.  The rest will follow,

               Love in Christ,

                     Kristine