One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, 2 Samuel 11:2.
As the third anniversary of this blog approaches, nearly fifty percent of the comments on Express Yourself 4 Him have been inspired by The Second Glance. Written well over a year ago, readers have requested a follow up post or more information regarding this topic. Thus, after mediating on this subject, today’s piece was born.
Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. – 2 Samuel 11:4a
At first, the second glance is inspired by curiosity, perhaps wanting to dwell on the beauty of an attractive male or female. However, as David learned the hard way, this double take ignites a spirit of lust. Like an uncontrollable beast, David skipped over the fact that Bathsheba was married, allowing temptation to have its way since her husband was out of town. This Fatal Attraction blinded David’s mind, willing to cover up his sin with an Indecent Proposal that ended in murder.
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. – 1 John 2:16
Outside of the Bible, one of the greatest examples of the consequences of the second glance was lived out in the life of Ted Bundy. Prior to his execution on January 24, 1989, Bundy was granted an interview with James Dobson. Oddly enough, Ted’s addiction to pornography began with a copy of the Sear’s Catalog. In his case, the second glance led to an addiction that exploded into a life of lust, rape and serial killings. Unfortunately, no one can escape the words of James 1:15 below.
Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
May this blog serve as a warning, scaring people straight away from sin and toward a God of reason, Isaiah 1:18-20.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 