How Far Is Too Far?

But Lot’s wife looked back as she was following behind him, and she turned into a pillar of salt. – Genesis 19:26

Relationships are not something we can easily walk away form. A friend of mine says, “When we talk about relationships, we are talking about something or someone you don’t just walk away form. You always go back. Sometimes you go back to say good-bye, or I’m sorry, or I forgive you.” When two people become more than just friends, they now give more of their time, money, and physical affection. I like to set healthy boundaries in all my relationships – not just with my boyfriend. With a significant other, you might draw the line at kissing and holding hands, or just at holding hands. With someone who’s just a friend, the line might be even further back.

Once we experience a taste of the physical, our affections run wild. The chemicals in our brain release happy endorphins and we crave more. That’s why setting those boundaries at the start is so important. Sometimes as Christians we get so caught up in wanting to experience the “forbidden fruit” that’s we’re willing to put up with a relationship that is less than God’s best.

Remember the story of Lot’s wife? She and her family were fleeing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. An angle had told them, “Run for your lives! And don’t look back or stop anywhere in the valley!” (Genesis 19:17). But as they were running, Lot’s wife fell behind and looked back toward her old home. She was turned into a pillar of salt. Just like Lot’s wife, we need to remember the commitments we make. When God gives us a command to flee unhealthy people and places, it’s our responsibility to go. Far. Running all the way, even though our inclination is to “go back,” like my friend said. Even a taste of that forbidden fruit can lead down a dangerous path. As Scripture teaches, “hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22).

Prayer: I ask for your peace to make me holy in every way, including my relationships. Help me to be found blameless while I wait for your return. I thank you for making this happen, because you who call me are faithful. Amen.