Evil Distractions? Impulse Control Imperative!

Uncontrollable impulses and urges build a bridge to disaster and destruction. The apostle Paul warned against submitting to distractions that are unacceptable to God. He explicitly instructs us to "put to death sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed.” When the young man Shechem met teenage Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob, he became so out of control with lust and evil thoughts that he raped her.

Becoming distracted happens to everyone at some level, but it’s imperative to exercise impulse control when tempted by evil distractions. However, Shechem gave free reign to his impulsive thoughts and desires and, in doing so, committed a grievous crime.

After raping Dinah, he realized his sinful distractions would have unimaginable painful consequences. Permitting Christ Jesus to have a place of prominence in your thoughts and feelings for others will give you power for effectively managing evil impulses, regardless of their significance. "Greater is Christ Jesus who is in you than Satan who is in the world." 

Escape Temptation's Grasp

It seemed rather innocent, but who could have imagined the turn of events that would have such lasting consequences for a family? A young teenage woman, a newcomer to town, went for a walk in the neighborhood. Like other teenagers, I'm sure she yearned for friendships with other young people her age.

 

Before the afternoon was over, a young man from the neighborhood had raped Dinah, the only daughter of Jacob. The man who raped her was not a local gang member or street thug, but a member of a prominent family in the community. As a matter of fact, his name was Shechem, the name of town where they lived, which confirmed his prominence.

Shechem discarded all social and spiritual boundaries that would have prevented him from sexually assaulting Dinah. Even in the presence of highly charged emotional impulses, God provides warning signs to diffuse all impulses that lead to sin and shame. God always supplies an escape from the grasp of deadly temptation, and he will do so for you.