"Window Shopping"

Is it okay just to look?

"Window Shopping" is a phrase which people often jokingly say when confronted with looking lustfully at another person. "It's okay to window shop," they say, "as long as I don't buy anything." Perhaps you have heard this saying. But this is contrary to what Jesus taught.

"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery; but I say unto you, That whoseover looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matthew 5:27-28).

Sometimes when you see an attractive person, even on television or in magazine, a sudden thought may run through your mind. I don't think this fleeting thought is sin. But it is what you do with the thought that may turn into sin. Do you toss the thought away quickly? Or do you dwell on it until it becomes a desire which you would fulfill if given the opportunity? "Every man is tempted," James tells us, "when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin." (James 1:14-15).

In our modern world, this battle of the mind has become increasingly difficult. Everywhere you go, you see people wearing tight-fitting or revealing clothing. While locking yourself in your home may sound appealing, it is not a viable option for most people. No wonder Paul said, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, THINK on these things." (Philippians 4:8). As Christians we have a responsiblity to (1) ourselves, not to look at immoral scenes in movies or magazines, or to put ourselves in a situation that will create temptation for us, and (2) a responsibility to others, to dress in a manner that does not attract attention to our bodies and create temptation for those around us.

The apostle John instructs us to, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the LUST OF THE EYES, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever." (1 John 2:15-17). "I made a covenant with mine eyes," Job proclaimed, "not to look lustfully at a girl" (Job 31:1 NIV).

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