Driving towards Lewisburg from the Harrisburg area you just might want to shield your children’s eyes from the abundance of adult businesses that seem to thrive in central Pennsylvania. Even in the news headlines, we can’t seem to get away from the mention of the porn industry, sexual innuendo, and scintillating news articles. This week there was a story in PennLive.com about zoning and the adult entertainment business.
Zoning is something that most communities have to deal with when an adult themed business wants to open. Counties must provide all zoning possibilities somewhere within their borders. Communities can do the same. The problem is when some communities don’t have zoning laws to adequately handle all the zoning types. That is why you can see junkyards from the road, cars up on blocks in the front yard, etc. Communities must re-visit their zoning and land use laws to adequately take on the proliferation of adult businesses in the region.
But that is not the crux of my story. But why are those businesses thriving and growing? Pornography has a hold of Americans everywhere. Almost 50% of men who call themselves Christians admit surfing porn on a regular basis, so you can only imagine the percentage of non-Christians who gravitate towards the porn industry. Pornography is an epidemic that destroys families. Paul said that we should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel (body) in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the heathen, who do not know God. For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, 7).
When we have the temptation to stop into one of those adult businesses we must overcome it and hold on to God's Word regarding this issue. If you have any doubt in your mind that you may be sinning, just ask yourself if Jesus was standing behind you, would He be pleased? Remember, "A man's ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths" (Proverbs 5:21). Faith in Christ is your victory. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ. Abide in Him. Pray until you have victory. If you feel weak, call someone to pray with you. Let us carry each other's burdens, helping one another. "Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way" (Psalm 119:37).
When we have the temptation to stop into one of those adult businesses we must overcome it and hold on to God's Word regarding this issue. If you have any doubt in your mind that you may be sinning, just ask yourself if Jesus was standing behind you, would He be pleased? Remember, "A man's ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all his paths" (Proverbs 5:21). Faith in Christ is your victory. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ. Abide in Him. Pray until you have victory. If you feel weak, call someone to pray with you. Let us carry each other's burdens, helping one another. "Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way" (Psalm 119:37).
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