The 'Job 31' Man: Being a Man of Integrity in a Sinful WorldNäide

Covenant Eyes 

The first verse of Job 31 is one of the most famous in the book and has even inspired Covenant Eyes, some accountability software. Of course, Job lived in a pre-technological age, but there will have been immodest and beautiful women around who he refused to be enticed by. 

Job was a successful man. He may have been attractive to women other than his wife. But he refused to consider any of them. 

If we fear God, we won't even consider displeasing Him. Job wasn't just concerned about how he looked to others, he wanted to have an honest, good heart. He promised himself, and God, that he would not lust after women other than his wife. 

God is judge. Jesus says it's better to gouge our eyes out than to lust. Of course, Jesus wasn't advocating self-mutilation. If we do struggle with lust, however, Jesus is saying that we need to take radical action. If bad content on the Internet is a problem for us for example, maybe we will need accountability software.

'God, have mercy upon us for lustful eyes. May You heal our broken thoughts and make us pure so that we can look forward to seeing You in Your holiness. In Jesus' name, amen.' 

Have you ever promised yourself not to lust? If so, have you managed to keep your promise?