The holidays are here and many shopping catalogs stuff my mailbox. Some of my favorite clothing catalogs as well. One in particular is well known for its secrets, which is rather humorous. I like this company’s clothing lines, particularly their jeans as they come in long length, but not too long, which is harder to find than you might think. As I was flipping through the pages, I casually scanned the various sweaters, jackets and jeans, pausing here and there when I saw something I liked. Then, I quickly skipped over the intimate apparel section to find the boots and shoes pages. Very unexpectedly, I sensed God challenge me, “Why did you do that?” “Do what?” “Purposely avoid the middle section.” “Lord! The pictures border on pornography!” I was rather surprised He needed to ask. Then He reminded me of something. “Aren’t you grieved and offended when you hear of women and girls being sexually exploited?” “Well, yes, of course…” “Then how can you send money to this company?”
Now, I’d like to say I immediately threw the catalog in the trash but I’d be lying. I wanted to make a case as to why this was different. But in the end, I couldn’t. I never considered how buying jeans could somehow feed into the horror of sexual exploitation of women and girls. How subtle are Satan’s works!
The very next morning, I came upon this Scripture in the Psalms, “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD…they do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in His paths…then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with Your commands.” (Psalm 149:1-6, NLT selected)
That same afternoon, I contacted the company to have my name permanently removed from their mailing list. Perhaps it will not make any real impact on the bigger issue, or perhaps it will, but either way, I know that one day, when I meet God face-to-face, I will not be ashamed; for I will be able to say I have not compromised with evil.
How about you? Is there an area in your life where you have compromised with evil? It can often be quite subtle. Ask God to reveal it to you so that you can turn away from it. Then, when you meet God face-to-face, you will be able to do so filled with joy and unashamed.
Shadia Hrichi
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