Today, more than ever, men and women (heterosexual or homosexual) face the relentless onslaught of staying pure in a very, very impure world. The music industry, news media, educational system, TV and the Internet are keeping all of us completely saturated in a lust-filled atmosphere. The end result for many has become the insatiable quest for pleasing “self” which takes each individual outside of God’s will, plan, and purpose and not trusting Him to supply all of their needs. In America, especially, ‘feeling good’ has become a narcotic.
When anyone, homosexual or heterosexual, takes matters into their own hands and makes the conscious choice to stray beyond God’s holy boundary lines with regard to sexual expression, the formula for bringing terrible consequences upon ourselves is set.
I believe we all should accept the fact that as long as we are on this earth, we will all be engaged in combating something. The undeniable truth is that our flesh will always be at war with the Spirit of God.
“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things you wish.” (Galatians 5:17)
That said, it remains important for each and every one of us to remember that even though we live in a culture that promotes a love of pleasure and self-indulgence, Jesus will never ask anything of us that is impossible for us to obey.
Many men and women today have made the quest for “love” the omnipotent, validating quality which has the power to validate anything that is done in its name which includes frequent sexual activity. Tragically, many now view “sex” as the byword for “love.”
Habitual sex, for many, has become a protective mechanism, a wall that endeavors to protect one’s self because a fear of truly being intimate exists largely due to unresolved wounds and past hurts. In other words, the brokenness of our self-image and love of sin must be and can only be quenched by the reality of receiving the greatness of God’s love.
This Scriptural truth enables and sets the stage for a transformation of our will.
Something sexual activity alone can never, ever accomplish.
Admittedly, we are sexual beings. That is how God created us. Ultimately, our sexuality is a wonderful gift from God providing sexual expression remains within His well-defined holy boundary lines. Habitual sexual activity perpetuates a downward spiral which most definitely clouds one’s judgment and ultimately hardens our heart. True intimacy or closeness with another human being becomes impaired and the life-giving flow of God that we all need desperately in our lives becomes strained.
Each and every one of us will always be left with the choice of whether to stop a sinful behavior or not, even after God pours His grace upon us enabling us to stop. Sex alone can never fill the void, emptiness, the deficit that exists in the human heart. The inner emotional drive which compels many to commit habitual sexual scenarios can only be healed, transformed, and filled by God.
God often challenges us to achieve victory and competence in the very areas of our lives where we feel we lack ability. I submit He does not do this to frustrate us or even to deny us, but rather to fulfill the right and true desires of our hearts.
The Good News remains that if we let Jesus into our sexuality and heart, we will begin to heal and experience an intimacy with God that defies explanation. An intimate sexual activity alone can never fulfill. Rather than caving in to complete despair because of the battle or desires of the flesh, hold on to the fact there is strength (overcoming strength) and hope because Jesus Himself promises us that we would never be forsaken or snatched from His hand (John 10:28).
The Lord Jesus will keep anyone who wants to be kept.
“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.” (1 John 3:16)
May we all have the courage, conviction, and commitment to do what is right in His sight.
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
His Way Out has been faithfully ministering to men and women seeking a way out of sexually broken lifestyles since 1994. We could not do it without the support of Christians like you. Every dollar that you give to His Way Out Ministries helps to further this vital ministry. Won’t you take a minute to prayerfully consider a monthly donation to His Way Out? Please consider making a one-time donation or set up a secure monthly PayPal contribution on our donation page at https://www.hiswayout.com/donate/. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee