Lust (The P-Word)

So here is a "touchy" subject. Probably one of the most ignored subjects. My prayer is that this post will give God all the glory in any way possible. Honestly, I had to be "real" on this one, because I am tired of seeing this subject have a choke hold on so many individuals.

Sometimes I think "we" tend to use the word lust in broad terms. Most young men will say that they struggle with lust, because they may feel it sounds safe. Why? Because we guys know that most other guys struggle with lust also. However, let's get more specific...

 Pornography...

I am not going to give statistics of how much money the porn industry makes, truth is many of us know how prevalent sex has become in our society. However, it is almost frightening and disturbing how easy and accessible it has become to watch other people have sex. In its essence that is basically what porn is. I myself was first introduced to a form of pornography back in middle school. A boy brought a picture from some website into the locker room and starting showing others. That moment forward, a vicious cycle and struggle occurred within me as I was in this battle against pornography.

Of course, I tried to justify it, "Well it's not like I am having sex, or am involved with a 'plethora' amount of young ladies like other people I know, so what I am doing is 'not that bad'" WRONG. From my experience, I want to be real and explain how pornography has perpetuated other bad characteristics that have had a negative effect in my life, but the redemptive grace and power from God is able to change a Test into Testimony! 

1) Sneakiness:
Now looking back, to the point where you have to sneak to go on the computer so your parents would not catch you, is when the addiction starts. You know what your doing is wrong and involves risk, but because you got away with it once, you think you can get away with it again and again. When you know something involves a great risk, but still continue to engage in the activity because you have a craving for it; is when addiction starts. You are basically disregarding risk and consequences just for pleasure. This is a dangerous state to be in when regarding to any addiction.

2) Lying:
So not only was sneakiness prevalent, I began to start justifying what I was doing by lying. Lying and not developing an accurate view of a circumstance we may be struggling with, is a huge indicator of Pride. Humility is having an accurate view of yourself; it means truly "knowing yourself." Authenticity is an important aspect to develop in combating against a struggle.

Porn is unrealistic and provides a cloudy view on reality. For example:
-Porn provides sex, without any emotion involved. However, the opposite is the reality.  
-Porn provides an unrealistic and perverted view on women. Women are degraded and seen as objects rather than people.
-Porn is an empty substitute for real love or satisfaction.

Consider 1 John 2:16:
^"16 For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world."

1 John 2:16 gives 3 main categories of sin: They are 1) The lust of the flesh. 2) The lust of the eyes. 3) Pride. Pornography definitely causes us to lust after flesh and certainly causes us to lust with our eyes.

And what about thoughts?

Philippians 4:8 says, "And now dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thouhgts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise." I am pretty sure that pornography does not fit into any of these categories.

1 Corinthians 6:12 says,
 ¹² You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything."

A slave to "anything." Even though we may feel the freedom to do anything, ask yourself does it truly edify! Galatians 5:13 tells us that even though we are called to freedom, do NOT use your freedom as an opportunity to fulfill your sinful desires.

So how can you overcome a struggle?

First, recognize that it is a problem, and that you need help! Pride is so dangerous, because it wants us to think we can overcome an addiction or struggle by ourselves. Last year I told my parents about my struggle. Instead of facing guilt and resistance they have been very beneficial in being good accountability people.

Second, seek GOD. Trust that He has the power to help you overcome a struggle. Confess your sin to Him and ask Him to renew and transform your mind (Romans 12:1-2).

Third, ask God to equip you with holiness.1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 says,

 ³ God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin. ⁴ Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor—

Let the Spirit control your lives.

Galatians 5:16-17:
¹⁶ So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. ¹⁷ The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.

Recommended links: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaSF_Rk2MGs

Picture from:
http://www.settingcaptivesfree.com/static/uploads/courses/header_images/way-of-purity.gif