Lust, Immorality, and Leaders
Perhaps, like me, you have been amazed at the number of gifted leaders who have fallen into moral collapse. I ask myself how could this happen? Could this happen to me? I’m sure that, like me, you desire to finish the race well. How can we avoid this trap that has entangled so many?
Below are two summaries on the process of lust and immorality as seen from the man’s and woman’s perspective. The process for the man was outlined in an article by Phil Parshall titled, The Tiger of Lust – The Downward Path of Moral Ruin. The process for women was contributed by a missionary wife, Mrs. Fran Love. Study them and then do some self examination.
A Man’s Path of Moral Ruin
1. Enjoyment of another woman’s company
2. Appreciation of her body
3. Thoughts of physical lust
4. Emotional desire
5. Initiation of casual encounters
6. Mutual arrangement for frequent meetings
7. The first lustful touch
8. Total deceit with one’s wife
9. Intimacy without full sex
10. The physical act of adultery
A Woman’s Path of Moral Ruin
1. Enjoyment of another man’s personality
2. Attraction towards his status (he’s a leader, popular, etc.) and his looks (manly, sexy, etc.)
3. Trying to attract his attention by whatever means is considered appropriate (nothing overt, all done very smoothly and imperceptibly)
4. Flattered by his reciprocating interest
5. Development and expansion of a fantasy thought life – emotional desire
6. Initiation of casual encounters with great pains taken to ensure that you are made-up and dressed up as attractively as possible
7. Romantic desire – no physical touch even necessary; the “romance” of it all is stimulating enough
8. Total deceit with one’s husband
9. Intimacy without full sex
10. The physical act of adultery
The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Proverbs 27:12
May we learn from the mistakes of others and avoid the pitfall of immorality that has ruined many!
Developing Kingdom Leaders - Tom Yeakley 