You are a brother. Even though you are
the assistant youth pastor of a vibrant
church with a large following, you’ve slept with
your girlfriend, not once, not twice. Well, it’s not
like you are the first.
Before the youth pastor tied the knots with
his wife, you’ve seen them in very uncomfortable
positions. The incident that comes quickly to mind
was the night you showed up at his house and
he chased you away because Sis Funke would be
sleeping over. Three is a crowd, he said.
What about your friends from church? Funsho,
Israel and Timi? The last time you hung out at a
bar with them, Timi said he dumped a sister in the
choir for one of the teen workers and Israel prided
himself for sticking to one girlfriend for two years
even though it’s no news he has other girls he flirts
with.
Then one evening, you turned on the TV and
right on the screen, a man preached passionately
about God’s love and the sacrifice of Christ. He
spoke about the freedom a man has in Christ
and God’s verdict on sin. You had no intention of
listening but the words of the preacher got your
eyes glued to the screen. You had never heard
anyone speak like that. That day, you went on
your knees and began a journey with Christ.
Your heart began to yearn for the knowledge
of God. You craved a deeper knowledge of God and
his plans for your life. Thankfully, you found a bible
study manual and spent your weekends learning
about your new faith.
A few weeks after you accepted Christ into your life,
you were dressing up for church when you felt a strong
urge to end your relationship with your girlfriend, Teju.
Could God really be asking you to break up with a
lady you chased for almost a year before she agreed to
date you?
God was not done talking.
“Dapo, you have to stop hanging around with those
friends. I’ll connect you with new friends but until then
you’ll learn to be alone with me.”
You went to church, downcast. You knew without
a doubt this was God speaking, but fear gripped your
heart at the thought of being alone.
Somehow, you found a way to avoid meeting with
your friends, but you didn’t break up with Teju. A week
after that instruction from the Lord, she showed up at
your apartment and since you were not at home to let
her in, she used her spare key. By the time you returned
from work, she was in your kitchen preparing dinner.
The only thing she had on was a crop top.
One kiss from her and you lost it. You ended up in
bed with her.
“Why are you acting cold? Did something happen
at the office?’ Teju asked when you pulled away from
her and sat with your head bowed.
“What we are doing is wrong. I mean, how do we
lift our hands in church, worshiping and praying to the
one whose command we flaunt. How can we dishonour a
God who gave all to rescue us from eternal damnation.”
Teju hissed and picked up her bag. “What’s this one
saying? When did all these yama yama talk start.”
“Teju, I can’t continue with this relationship.
I’m calling it off.”
Teju laughed. “You must be joking. I don’t
have time for this nonsense. I’m also late for
choir rehearsals. I hope you return to your senses
before I get back.”
When she left the house, you sat on the floor
and placed your hand on your head. “Daddy, are
you still here ? I messed up. I’m sorry.”
“I’m here son. I love you very much.”
Teju was back two weeks later. As you opened
the door, you noticed her eyes teary.
“For two weeks, you didn’t call me.” She said
with tears running down her face as she entered
the living room. “How could you move on so fast?
What did I do to deserve this? All I ever did was
show you love.”
She pulled closer. “Why are you treating me
like this?”
Don’t have this discussion inside this house.
Get her out to the veranda.
The voice of the Holy Spirit was clear and
loud.
You let out a deep sigh. Her touch was already
sending warm currents through your body.
“Teju please, let’s talk outside.”
Teju drew you further into the living room, a
smirk planted on her lips. “I see that I am already
having an eff ect on you. No woman can drive you
wild like I do.’
As she tip-toed for a kiss, you shook her
shoulders and roughly pulled her out of the living
room. Teju stared at you in shock.
“Did you just push me? Dapo, you pushed
me!”
“Listen, things are diff erent here. I am crazy
about Jesus now and whatever he hates, I detest.
He doesn’t condone sex outside marriage, and I
won’t have it too. Just leave me alone.”
Teju’s mouth was still wide open in disbelief
when she quietly left the house. As you returned
into the house, you perceived the Lord smiling
down at you.
He spoke in that still small voice you are
becoming familiar with.
“Dapo, if you trust my instructions and follow
them, you’ll have a beautiful life.
You can’t be soft on the fl esh if you want to
live a Spirit-fi lled life. As a believer, you have a
responsibility to mortify your fl esh. God will not
do it for you. For seemingly stubborn sins, take
the bull by the horn. Meditate on the scriptures
that address that habit, build a solid devotional
life and take steps to say no, when temptations
confront you.
You are not ready for a change if all you do is cry
and feel sorry every time you give in to those sinful
habits. The Holy Spirit is our supernatural advantage.
He is with us forever and he guides us into all truth.
How conscious are you of His presence? Do you look out
for instructions from Him?
Please understand that staying clear from sexual
immorality without a relationship with the Father is
a waste of your precious time. A man who does this
will still be eternally damned. God is calling you into a
relationship with him through His Son, Jesus. Christ died
for your sins so that you can come into this relationship
with God. Now, you can enjoy guidance and help by the
Spirit in living a life pleasing to God.
Do you desire this relationship? Believe that Christ
died and was raised to bring you into a relationship with
God. He can become your father from this moment.
Say this prayer with me as an affi rmation of your faith
in Christ.
Father, thank you for your love towards me. I believe that Jesus died for
my sins and was resurrected to give me a new life. I confess that Jesus is my
Lord and Saviour. My sins are forgiven. I am saved. Glory to God!
Welcome into the family of God.