How To Boil A Frog

If you were looking for cooking tips, you might be disappointed in this post. Not to leave you hanging, though, boiling frogs is easy. Put them in the pot with tepid water and slowly turn up the heat. By the time they realize they're in trouble, it's too late.

Girls, I don't want to see any of you getting boiled.

I considered whether or not to write this post for some time, but as a follower of Jesus, and someone who fell into the slimy pit of lust herself, I can't not say anything. As believers, we are called to speak the truth in love to one another.

Without mincing any words, or passing any judgment, Fifty Shades of Grey and Magic Mike are not just risque entertainment; they are an affront to our Holy God. I can hear the "yeah, but's" already, but here's my thought, one that Oswald Chambers echoed in his devotional My Utmost For His Highest: You pretty much know you are convicted of something when you start rationalizing. I know, I do it all the time. (Not claiming any perfection here. I am just a little sensitive to the slippery slope of lust.)

• Yeah but, it puts me in the mood: Reading or watching soft porn, and that's what this is, does not strengthen your marriage. It is no more acceptable than your husband visiting certain websites to satisfy his need for arousal.
• Yeah but, everyone else is doing it: what was that your mom always said . . .don't jump off this bridge.Seriously.
• Yeah but, it's not hurting anyone: It's a fact that 20% of Christian women are addicted to porn, and 60% admit to significant struggles with lust. Check out this link for the effects of pornography on marriage.  

Let me tell you, firsthand, what happens when you enterain thoughts of other men. Your husband, your real life flawed husband, begins to pale in comparison to fictional characters. In your rational mind, you know he can't measure up, but keep feeding the comparison and watch your irritation level begin to grow. You might begin to notice the qualities your husband appears to be lacking in other men, men who don't belong to you. You start to think you are missing out on something. You find yourself looking forward to conversations with other guys. Your mind begins to wander to other topics . . .the ones you've been reading about. All of this might be taking place without you being consciously aware, but on some level, your brain is processing what you've filled it with. The water in your pot is beginning to bubble.

Choosing this sort of entertainment is getting into the pot.

As believers, God has set us apart to live a life that glorifies Him. He's given us a supernatural ability to make right choices through the Holy Spirit. Romans 12:1-2 reminds us not to be conformed to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. I know it seems like the whole world, or at least everyone I see sitting at the pool, is reading this book. I can't help but consider the way Satan tricked Eve into eating the forbidden fruit: he convinced her she was missing out on something big.

Don't fall for the cheap lies of the enemy. Be cognizant of what you are letting influence you. Proverbs 4:23 says to "guard your heart for it determines the course of your life." Casting Crowns had a hit a few years ago with Slow Fade; consider these lyrics as you decide how to entertain yourself.

Slow Fade

Be careful little eyes what you see
It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see


When you choose to live a life that glorifies God, you are never going to miss out. You have His word on it.