Attraction

<magnetism, appeal, pull>>

There are four main ways we are attracted to others: spiritual unity, mental affinity, personality compatibility, and physical or sexual attraction. We see in them something we admire and want to attain. Such stimulation by others to grow in the spiritual, mental and social realms is desirable, and we can model our lives on these examples. We need such challenges and input to further develop our abilities and reach our potential yet we should not be jealous of how God has enriched their lives. Males and females who are naturally attracted to each other physically, must control their thoughts so this appeal doesn’t turns to lust, which is the desire to act immorally. We should all dress and live in ways that are attractive to others but not alluring or enticing. Women particularly should be careful with their attire so they don’t fuel impure thoughts in men who are easily aroused visually. The Bible instruct modesty of dressing with the focus going beyond the external appearance to that of the beauty of heart and spirit (1 Tim 2:9,10; 1 Pet 3:3-5). Real love runs much deeper than physical attraction.

Although we relate with non-Christians and live in an ungodly society we must not brought under its influence and squeezed into its shape by compromising our values but rather be ‘salt and light’, showing there are alternative principles by which humanity can live (Mt 5:13-16; Jn 17:14-16; Rom 12:2). Each of us is tempted by our own evil desire,

Is my lifestyle an advertisement for Jesus?

and if we give in to the flesh then the consequences must be faced (Jas 1:14,15). Satan ‘sells’ humanity the glamourous side of sin, spreading the idea of God being a killjoy he makes sin appealing; no mention is made of bondage to destructive habits or the time of reckoning and regret (Prov 5:3-5, 7:21-23; Rev 22:15).

Our old sinful nature is attracted towards the ‘dark’ spiritual realm with ‘the flesh’ permanently biased in that direction and so as Christians there is a continual struggle within (between the Spirit and flesh), yet by our choices we determine which is victor (Rom 7:14-25). "The cravings of the sinful nature, the lust of the eyes...comes from the world" (1 Jn 2:15-17). Strong morals together with self-discipline, accountability and an understanding of our position in Christ are some of the safeguards that will prevent us moving away from what is right (Rom 6:1-7,11, 8:1,2,5-8). Water baptism indicates we have died to the old sinful past with its allurement to sin and now live under a new master, Jesus Christ (Rom 6:4; Gal 2:20, 5:24).

The Holy Spirit does not force people to come to Christ, rather the love of God is the magnet that draws people to Him so our objective is to embody that love for others, presenting the Saviour to all people so they respond to the grace of God too (Jer 31:3; Mt 5:15; Jn 3:16, 6:44, 12:32).