A Glimpse Behind the Mask: October 2007

This was written about two weeks ago with the intent of sending it to the editor of our school newspaper. After removing about 150 words to fit the 400 word limit, I sent it in and hopefully it will be printed in the Echo tomorrow. Here is the full version. A big thanks to both Jared and Jason, for inspiring me to do something about this issue and helping me find Biblical support.

“When the women saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it.” Genesis 3:6

Why was Eve tempted? Why did she take the fruit? First, it was food; a way to satisfy her body’s physical needs. But there were plenty other trees in the garden to eat from. Second, it was pleasing to the eye, possibly more so than the other fruit by the context. This drew her in and kept her attention. Third, she could gain wisdom, something she desired.

So, the first female mind thought this way when tempted: physical need, looks, and personal desire. Was this only in Eve does it remain in all of her daughters? Let’s see: Clothes: not quite a physical need, but almost; “Oh, that’s cute!; I’ll fit in/ stand out.”

Guys: sex drive; “Check out his calves/abs/eyes/arms.”; “I want to be loved and cared for.”

Now, I can’t say which of these three things moved Eve from temptation to sin, nor do I know the reasons behind the other things females seek after. But I do know that all too often we emphasize personal desire, leaving looks behind. It is clear that looks play a role in our decision making process. A big role.

We all know guys deal with visual stimulation when it comes to girls. We’ve read the Echo articles, heard it in youth group, and maybe even formed accountability groups to respond to it. We read passages like Song of Solomon 7:1-9, “How beautiful your sandaled feet, O prince's daughter! Your graceful legs are like jewels, the work of a craftsman's hands.” And while some of it may be uncomfortable, it doesn’t shock us.

But what about Song of Solomon 5:10-16? What is your reaction to references describing a man’s body, “Like polished ivory decorated with sapphires…” Or legs like “Pillars of marble”? Do you brush it off completely? Do you propose that, despite this passage, a female’s struggle is more emotional than physical? Or do you identify with it but are too afraid to speak up?

I used to be in the last group, until an illustrious* friend of mine challenged me to do something. I don’t presume to know what passes through a guy’s mind when he lusts or what triggers those thoughts, but I know my own experience. And I know well enough that I am not alone among females. We are like Eve… our attention is captured by physical attractiveness, and while we may not be as poetic as the beloved in Song of Solomon, a male’s body is attractive. Just like Eve, we move from temptation to sin when things are “pleasing to the eye.”

Why am I writing this? My purpose is three-fold:

1) For Males – Please be aware of this! I know society says you can be shirtless, but know that females will look, are tempted, and may fall into sin.

2) For Females – Stop hiding! If you don’t share your struggle, it’s easier to justify and harder to fight, and you will feel alone when you are not.

3) For Myself- Stand up and say something! Face the sin in your own life; if it means that much to you, do something about it.

Oh, and finally, to begin discussion instead of letting it be brushed away again. Now go – discuss!

*this friend of mine proofread this and I decided to leave this change of his :)

Labels: Christainity, Personal