David and Bathsheba (3)
I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Matthew 5:28
Read Matthew 5:27-32
Was it merely coincidence that a naked woman was washing herself when David looked about aimlessly from the roof of his house? The writer of second Samuel tells us that she washed herself after menstruation (2 Samuel 11:4). She did this so she could mix with society (Leviticus 15:19-33). She washed herself within the confines of her own home (whether this took place in the courtyard or in view of a window), without considering that she might be seen from an elevated vantage point. But David saw her and was captivated by what he saw. What a beautiful woman! His boredom was swept away; he became tense. Sinful thoughts began to surface, and soon he took the next step by which he separated himself from God.
David’s time cannot be compared with our day. Our society has become ‘sex dominated’ through brochures, advertising, TV, internet, fashion, etc. Through these devices, our sexual feelings are stimulated and excessive desires are being excited. Besides this danger is the fact that we live in a fast paced society; we have no time for wholesome things. Statistics reveal that pornographic sites receive the most hits during work breaks, in the evenings and late nights, and on the weekends.
But the beautiful and tender gift of sexuality can only blossom in the safety net of intimacy and true love. This offers humanity the possibility of enjoying each other’s whole being, both physically and spiritually. But what happens when we allow ourselves to be led by indolence and boredom? Then our only desire is to get rid of that senseless feeling by satisfying our lusts. The step from boredom to obsession is very small and easily made. That is especially true of sexual addictions. In David’s case it began by just a look.
Question: Job said: I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? (Job 31:1) How can you make such a covenant?
Psalter 428:5 (based on Psalm 119) O teach me, Lord, the way that I should go; Then shall Thy servant walk therein forever. Give understanding all Thy paths to know; Then shall I keep Thy law with zealous fervor. Instruct me in Thy perfect will and, lo, I shall observe it with my whole endeavor.