Unsuitable Material

It’s almost that time of year – the time when the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue shows up in mailboxes around the country and millions of men fall in lust all over again. SI introduced the special issue in 1964. From that relatively modest beginning, it’s essentially turned into a soft-core pornographic piece today.

To its credit, SI allows subscribers to opt out of the swimsuit extravaganza. I don’t know how many readers take advantage of this offer, but I suspect it’s a small minority. The reason, of course, is that bare flesh is an attractive topic. And regardless of how SI tries to dress it up (pardon the pun), that’s what the swimsuit issue is about. Plain and simple, it’s a vehicle for lust.

Men try to rationalize it, saying “It’s normal,” and, “It doesn’t hurt to look,” while critics are dismissed as prudish and old-fashioned. I’m just like any other typical American male – I want to look at this stuff. But I take advantage of the subscriber opt-out offer because I believe lust of the flesh is dangerous. Why? Because Jesus said so: “I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). King Solomon also warned against lust and adultery: “Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes, for … the adulteress preys upon your very life” (Proverbs 6:24-26). I believe the Bible’s teachings are true and I can’t just pick the ones I like while discarding the rest.

The Bible calls the devil “a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Satan will do anything he can to lead people away from God, including the use of man-made devices that seem attractive and harmless on the surface. It is a lie to believe that lust of the flesh won’t get you into trouble. Give in to one small temptation and the next time it will seem a little easier, a little more enticing. “It doesn’t hurt to look” can easily turn into pornography addiction or marital infidelity, among other devastating consequences.

There’s a lie for women here, too. By celebrating the baring of flesh, society is saying you are inferior if you don’t look like a swimsuit model. Plant such a lie in a young girl and she will grow up practicing all sorts of unhealthy habits in an attempt to impress the world with physical beauty.

Lust for the flesh, lust for acceptance – they're both powerful forces. And that’s no lie.