Men: Is there a Hint?

Consider Ephesians 5:3: “But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity…”  And then of course, Matthew 5:28: “I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart”.  A series of banners that depicted standards for various personal traits of attainment got my attention when I was in the commons area of Lubbock-Cooper High School this past year.  One was on Integrity.  Another on Character particularly got my attention.  It read something like:  Character – what we do when we think no one is watching!  Think about it.  

Everywhere we find ourselves or look in this world, we are constantly bombarded with sensual images: television, billboards, advertisements, magazines, catalogs, store displays, etc. They are before us as we drive, in the workplace, at the office, as we shop or go on outings, and probably most dangerous of all: the secretive invader, the Internet.  Marketing efforts are strategically and specifically targeted toward sensual appeal. 

As taken from Every Man’s Battle: “Before men experience victory over sexual sin, they’re often hurting and confused.  Why can’t I win at this?  As the fight wears on and their losses pile higher, we begin to doubt everything about ourselves, even our salvation.  At best, we think we are deeply flawed - at worst, evil persons.  We can feel very alone, since men speak little of these things. But we are not alone. Many men have fallen into their own sexual pits” – yes even Christian men among us.

I ask you, do you believe that Ephesians 5:3 is actually attainable?  If there is a scripture that captures God’s standard for sexual purity, this is it.  In relation to God’s standard, is there a “hint” of sexual impurity in your life?  I suggest that a deliberate decision to choose real manhood be made – according to God’s definition.  His desire is that we hear his word and then act upon it - or do it.   I suggest that it is attainable.  Maybe you could use some very realistic tools and a battle plan to make it possible.  Consider reading  Every Man’s Battle by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker.  

You will learn practical warfare such as:

1.  Make serious realization – the attraction to impurity threatens everything I hold dear

2.  The need to make a simple but absolute decision to avoid even a “hint” of sexual impurity

3. Training yourself to “bounce your eyes” and “starve your eyes” against impure images that confront us daily.  “When effectively established, your defense perimeter of the eyes has the nature of the old Berlin Wall.  No visual entry visas are ever granted for any reason”

4. Adopt a simple “attack” verse such as Job 31: “ I have made a covenant with my eyes …”  as your sword – a constant intentional and defensive mental reminder

5. Take up your own shield such as:  I Corinthians 6: 18-20:  “Flee from sexual immorality ….. You are not your own; You were bought with a price.  Therefore honor God with your body.”

6. Choose victory – victory with your eyes, victory with your mind; and finally victory with your heart.  II Corinthians 10:5 – “We demolish arguments and every pretention that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”

7. Train and reinforce the mind – I have no right to think or look at such things – I simply have no authority.  The mind is the second line of defense

8. Turn or focus your attention toward cherishing and honoring your wife – as Christ for the church

9. Establish accountability

10. Pray continually and know that you are a precious creation of God and that you are loved.

You will be amazed at how simple and practical these principals are.  The book is a very easy and a fast read.  If you have lacked the courage or felt this fight is hopeless or if you are concerned about preventive tools for mentoring your own children in this “in-your–face at every turn” society that we live in, I pray that you will take a look and make a commitment for renewed purity in your life and in the life of your family!  God say’s it is possible.

Click here to read more details about the book (and you can order the book as well).