Innocent is fastly disappearing in this world. When people think of innocence it tends to invoke images of children and does. While certainly children can be innocent, they are born in sin (Psalm 51:5) and so innocence is incomplete in even them. Innocence rather is a state of being, "free from moral wrong; without sin; pure: or not involving evil intent or motive." Generally in the Church we think of that first definition, without sin. But I believe the better definition of innocence is this, "having or showing the simplicity or naiveté of an unworldly person; guileless; ingenuous." This goes along with what Jesus said, "Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." (Matthew 10:16). The world seeks to teach us many things: murder, greed, avarice, caprice, control, pleasure, lust of eyes, lust of flesh, and lust for power. The world wants to turn the innocent into insolent towards God and the way of life that brings peace, freedom, love, and truth. We are told by Jesus that we are not the world, "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." (John 15:19). Christ has restored innocence in us, He is completely innocent in first definition of sin, "without sin," (2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15) but he also was not controlled by the world or its prince, "Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world comes, and has nothing in me." (John 14:30). If Christ lives in us (Colossians 1:27), then there is hope our innocence can be restored both in first definition and the sixth definition. We can learn from the Lord who dwells inside us how to become pure again, we can exchange our dark heart for His heart.
As Christians we are suppose to be chaste. The first thing that undoublty comes to mind when I use the word chaste is, "not engaging in sexual relations; celibate." Actually, that is the third definition. The first definition of chaste is, "refraining from sexual intercourse that is regarded as contrary to morality or religion; virtuous." We see then that sexuality is not altogether evil, it is how it is imployed and used, if it contradicts our religion and morals then it is wrong. Sex only is pure and innocent in the sacredness of matrimony between a man and woman. The Apostle Paul tells us that all sexual sin is grounds for being denied the Kingdom, "Don't you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin, or who worship idols, or commit adultery, or are male prostitutes, or practice homosexuality, or are thieves, or greedy people, or drunkards, or are abusive, or cheat people--none of these will inherit the Kingdom of God." (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). These are examples of the worldly practices we must be innocent of and what the first definition of chastity really means, not practicing these things. The Catholic Church and Monastics have made chastity a word synonymous with celibacy, but they are in fact different. To be chaste is to only do sexual acts with your wife or husband, to not particupate in pornography, masturbation, and other sexual dissidence which all violate Jesus words, "But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart," (Matthew 5:28) would not this then apply to images and those images conjured by memory in your mind? Does not then watching sensual films which aren't porn, but have enough to entice you fall into the category of violating your chastity? Affairs and cheating on spouses begins with glances and emotional entanglements, hence why Jesus used the word intent.
Innocence is not a dull or deprived institution as the world would have you believe. The world and its prince would have you believe innocence and chastity are the Amish, Puritans, teddy bears, and white halls and barren rooms opposte to the world's red walls with golden candles and dark rooms of pleasure. Innocence in contrast is precious, for fornication, murder, and other arts that defile the soul make people lose their humanity and dirty the divine image of God in them (Genesis 1:27). The virgin or the person who is innocent of world, who does not crave unnatural pleasures, but is pure and loves with a peacefulness that cannot be found with prostitutes and in persons participating in murder. Innocence is not childness, it is being an adult, and soldier in Christ (2 Timothy 2:3) who meets suffering head on, but does not become defiled by the dark forces or deeds that turn people into shells and walking pieces of hell. Instead of Dante's Inferno being the image of their lives, innocent people have Christ as their life, and they are not ignorant of what is happening, but are innocent of evil, "Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil." (Romans 16:19). Why bother with an education in evil and the devil's world, when we can be educated in Him, who is all wisdom and knowledge, "Christ, in whom is all wisdom and knowledge." (Colossians 2:2-3). Our Lord and Savior Jesus created everything (John 1:3, Colossians 1:13), so why would we consult anyone but the Author? Did not Jesus promise to teach us? "You have one teacher, the Christ," (Matthew 23:10) and "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (John 14:26).
We as Christians should not be investing our minds and hearts in the wicked things of this world, those contrary to the Lord Jesus and which provoke us to sinful lives. For we are told by the Apostle Paul, "Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don't be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." (Colossians 1:1-11). We need to take chastity to new heights as Christians, not just regarding our sexuality, but in what we read, watch, listen to, and even where we are educated. There are only two forces at work, one is Pure and the other is Perversion. One is God and the other the devil who perverted his ways, even creating commerce and the love of material things, and fell (Ezekiel 28, Revelation 12:7-17). Innocence is state of being in Christ, it is where the Lord takes our sinfulness and molds us back into blameless creation, our thoughts, actions, and even desires can be purified back to innocence. To do this we must train ourselves through Christ who strengthens us, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things," (Philippians 4:8) and "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ./We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5). Innocence is not passive, it is active. We must partner with the Spirit of God and Christ Jesus to purify our thoughts, to wage a campaign of war against the evil one's insidious thoughts and temptations. Purity is not some obscure and idealized lady far away on an altar, it is possession of even follower of the Prince of Peace. We lose purity, innocence, and chastity (as in rightful sexual relations in marriage) only by our own actions and indulgences in sin.
We should celebrate that our innocence is restored in Christ Jesus. For Adam and Eve, and all descendants tell Jesus were tainted beyond redemption, their innocence taken at birth (Psalm 51:5). But Christ has through His blood made us innocent (1 John 1:7) and if we continue to abide in Him we shall become more and more innocent of evil, our nature being made more into His (Colossians 1:1-11), and we shall find that purity that seem elusive already in our possession. But the Apostle did warn, if we do not cease playing with the mistress of this world, and indulge in sin, in the lusts the Apostle John speaks of, "For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world/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). It is these lusts that lead people away from Lord and make them pierced with many sorrows over lust for wealth (1 Timothy 6:10, Matthew 13:22) and that infect their bodies with the consequence of sexual sin (Romans 1:27, Proverbs 5:11).
The world wants to trap us with its distortions. It offers the woman that King Solomon speaks of, "The woman Folly
is loud;
she is seductive and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house;
she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,
15 calling to those who pass by,
who are going straight on their way,
16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
And to him who lacks sense she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet,
and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 But he does not know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol (Hell)" (Proverbs 9:13-18).
she is seductive and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house;
she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,
15 calling to those who pass by,
who are going straight on their way,
16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
And to him who lacks sense she says,
17 “Stolen water is sweet,
and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18 But he does not know that the dead are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol (Hell)" (Proverbs 9:13-18).
In contrast we are given the example of the good wife God gives,
"The Virtuous Wife
 |
| Irene, Christian Lady meeting the Apostle John on Patmos |
10 Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates." (Proverbs 31:1-31).
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates." (Proverbs 31:1-31).
The Virteous Wife versus Immoral Woman and Woman of Folly,
My son, pay attention to my wisdom;
listen carefully to my wise counsel.
2 Then you will show discernment,
and your lips will express what you’ve learned.
3 For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey,
and her mouth is smoother than oil.
4 But in the end she is as bitter as poison,
as dangerous as a double-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death;
her steps lead straight to the grave.
6 For she cares nothing about the path to life.
She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t realize it.
listen carefully to my wise counsel.
2 Then you will show discernment,
and your lips will express what you’ve learned.
3 For the lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey,
and her mouth is smoother than oil.
4 But in the end she is as bitter as poison,
as dangerous as a double-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death;
her steps lead straight to the grave.
6 For she cares nothing about the path to life.
She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t realize it.
So now, my sons, listen to me.
Never stray from what I am about to say:
8 Stay away from her!
Don’t go near the door of her house!
9 If you do, you will lose your honor
and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved.
10 Strangers will consume your wealth,
and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
11 In the end you will groan in anguish
when disease consumes your body.
12 You will say, “How I hated discipline!
If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
13 Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?
Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?
14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin,
and now I must face public disgrace.”
Never stray from what I am about to say:
8 Stay away from her!
Don’t go near the door of her house!
9 If you do, you will lose your honor
and will lose to merciless people all you have achieved.
10 Strangers will consume your wealth,
and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
11 In the end you will groan in anguish
when disease consumes your body.
12 You will say, “How I hated discipline!
If only I had not ignored all the warnings!
13 Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers?
Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors?
14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin,
and now I must face public disgrace.”
Drink water from your own well—
share your love only with your wife.
16 Why spill the water of your springs in the streets,
having sex with just anyone?
17 You should reserve it for yourselves.
Never share it with strangers.
Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you.share your love only with your wife.
16 Why spill the water of your springs in the streets,
having sex with just anyone?
17 You should reserve it for yourselves.
Never share it with strangers.
Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
19 She is a loving deer, a graceful doe.
Let her breasts satisfy you always.
May you always be captivated by her love.
20 Why be captivated, my son, by an immoral woman,
or fondle the breasts of a promiscuous woman?
examining every path he takes.
22 An evil man is held captive by his own sins;
they are ropes that catch and hold him.
23 He will die for lack of self-control;
he will be lost because of his great foolishness." (Proverbs 5:1-23)
King Solomon was wise because of the Lord, he gives us the exactness of the woman of folly versus the wife of faith. Do not seek the prostitute or unchaste love, but instead seek the innocence and purity of the marriage bed. Don't share your precious love with strangers, but save it for your spouse and delight in one another. Above all, I believe King Lamuel's mother gives the best answer for all seeking love, "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing (fades), But a woman who fears (revers, honors, loves) the Lord, she shall be praised." (Proverbs 31:30). Don't seek the dark princess, but instead delight in dove of your innocent love in a Christian woman, and if you are woman, then a Christian man. Preserve innocence which is given to you through Jesus Christ. Don't give it away was the devil would have you do, but instead safeguard it in faith, truth, and love. Amen.
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