Month: September 2020

‘Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.’ Proverbs 18:1(NLT)

‘Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. ‘ James 5:16(NLT)

Scripture: Proverbs 18:1; James 5:16

Proverbs 20:5 says, “The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.”

In other words, we don’t always know why we do the very thing we hate doing – sometimes it takes a voice outside our heart to make sense of it. That’s why so many of us end up drowning in our own struggles – we rarely cry for help.

Maybe this is why God allows us to see so many of his heroes fall – to remind us how badly we need other men around us. It seems like most of them made decisions in isolation. David was alone when he saw Bathsheba, and he never confessed his thoughts to a friend.

Samson never had a peer, and therefore no one to question to pride. Judas led a secret life outside his band of brothers and bore his depression to the end of a rope.

Proverbs also says, “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire, he breaks out against all sound judgment.” (18:1)

When I’m isolated, it’s far easier to do things I’d never do when I’m in the presence of others – whether it’s binge-watching a tv series or binging a bag of chips – if someone were sitting beside me, I’d probably make better judgment calls. I think this is why Jesus’ half-brother says, “Confess your sins one to another so that you might be healed.” He knew we make far better progress together rather than going solo.

And I find most of us confess way too late to help us tackle an issue like porn. We confess at the weekly accountability group or a few days after the “episode.” But if Jesus said we sin the moment our thoughts turn racy, it might make more sense to invite guys into our heads and not just after the deed is done.

Imagine if we’d give each other permission to call or text the moment we start taking that second glance or the mouse move towards the link. It’s common to confess our sins after the fact. To take on this giant, we may need more uncommon tactics. Confess your thoughts.

from UNCOMMEN: The Delusion Of Porn

‘“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman.’ Job 31:1(NLT)

Joseph in Potiphar’s House
‘When Joseph was taken to Egypt by the Ishmaelite traders, he was purchased by Potiphar, an Egyptian officer. Potiphar was captain of the guard for Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did. This pleased Potiphar, so he soon made Joseph his personal attendant. He put him in charge of his entire household and everything he owned. From the day Joseph was put in charge of his master’s household and property, the Lord began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake. All his household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished. So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned. With Joseph there, he didn’t worry about a thing—except what kind of food to eat! Joseph was a very handsome and well-built young man, and Potiphar’s wife soon began to look at him lustfully. “Come and sleep with me,” she demanded. But Joseph refused. “Look,” he told her, “my master trusts me with everything in his entire household. No one here has more authority than I do. He has held back nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing? It would be a great sin against God.” She kept putting pressure on Joseph day after day, but he refused to sleep with her, and he kept out of her way as much as possible. One day, however, no one else was around when he went in to do his work. She came and grabbed him by his cloak, demanding, “Come on, sleep with me!” Joseph tore himself away, but he left his cloak in her hand as he ran from the house. When she saw that she was holding his cloak and he had fled, she called out to her servants. Soon all the men came running. “Look!” she said. “My husband has brought this Hebrew slave here to make fools of us! He came into my room to rape me, but I screamed. When he heard me scream, he ran outside and got away, but he left his cloak behind with me.” She kept the cloak with her until her husband came home. Then she told him her story. “That Hebrew slave you’ve brought into our house tried to come in and fool around with me,” she said. “But when I screamed, he ran outside, leaving his cloak with me!”
Joseph Put in Prison
Potiphar was furious when he heard his wife’s story about how Joseph had treated her. So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, and there he remained. But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. Before long, the warden put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in the prison. The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.’ Genesis 39:1-23(NLT)

Scripture: Job 31:1; Genesis 39

How old were you when you first saw porn? I’ve asked that question to kids in high school, D1 football players, and men around the country. I have yet to hear someone say, “Man, I can’t remember.”

We remember the date, time, and circumstances.

There’s a reason why one of the oldest books in the Bible has a guy saying the line, “I have made a covenant with my eyes; how then could I gaze at a virgin?” (Job 31:1) God created sex. He created men to be visually stimulated. God created sex as “Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flames of the Lord.” (Song of Solomon 8:6)

For men, stimulating images are the first spark. The more fuel we put to that fire, the more it consumes us until we either extinguish the flames or it burns out naturally. For Job, he made a pact with his eyes – don’t feed the fire.

And let’s just be real, while pornography has been gracing mediums ever since we started drawing on caves and clay pots, I’d like to see Job make that statement in a world with HD phone screens and virtual reality. A hundred years ago, our great grandfathers spent most of the day walking behind the south end of a northbound ox. He never saw one billboard, one TV commercial, or one titillating YouTube link.

Nothing’s new under the sun. Lust has impacted every person throughout history, but cultural moves and technology have affected us in two significant ways:

The unlimited amount of images that bombard us without choice. I can’t tell companies not to put up certain billboards, or what commercials come on tv, or for women to cover up when wearing dental floss at the beach.

The unlimited access to images with total anonymity.

Henry Cloud has a book titled: Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality. We can’t change our cultural reality – all we can do is have the courage to make a pact with our eyes – don’t fuel the fire. Steve Arterburn called it the act of “bouncing the eyes.” You have the ability to train your eyes to linger or look away. What will you do today?

from UNCOMMEN: The Delusion Of Porn

‘Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. ‘ Philippians 4:11-13(NLT)

‘So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.’ Colossians 1:28-29(NLT)

Scripture: Philippians 4:11-13; Colossians 1:28-29

“…until they get punched in the mouth,” said former heavyweight boxing champ Mike Tyson, when asked if he was worried about his opponent’s plans to defeat him in the ring.

Plans are helpful, but they can’t land a punch.

The French had a plan to stop the Germans’ Blitzkrieg by constructing the “impenetrable” Maginot Line across the Ardennes Forest. The Nazi tanks just went around it.

I had a plan not to eat any carbs or sugars for 30 days. Then someone surprised me with chocolate chip scones.

We live in a highly sexualized culture where images, scenes, and yoga pants walk in unannounced and unexpectedly. We push ourselves to the limits with work or travel, and an unplanned bout of loneliness or anger leaves us vulnerable to a left cross.

And even if you put all the latest porn blockers on your devices, we’re not stupid. When we want to buy the lie that this, like any sin, satisfies more than God, we’ll find a way to get our fix.

The enemy knows our plans. And he knows how to knock us off balance. The Apostle Peter said he prowls about like a hungry lion. Lions rarely feed on the strong, quick, or agile animals. They lie in wait for the lame, vulnerable, and weak.

When Adam stood toe to toe with the serpent, whatever plans he may have had fell flat. We don’t know all that transpired, but one thing is clear — Adam never invited God into the ring. Maybe he thought he could handle it. Maybe he just kept wondering, “Just one bite is all it would be.”

There’s only one person who faced the serpent and came out with gloves held high. The sad truth is, I rarely bring him into the ring when I fight porn.

Ever had these thoughts when an image, opportunity, or thought sucker punches you, “I really shouldn’t look at this…I need to look away…I can’t believe I’m doing this again…”?

Notice the pronoun: “I.”

We can have all the best plans, porn blockers, and accountability partners, but the enemy has a way of landing a punch when we least expect it. We make the mistake of trying to go toe to toe with a cagey opponent.

Where is Jesus in your fight against porn? Do you ever invite him into the ring? I know it sounds too easy. But have you tried replacing “I” with Jesus?

“Jesus, give me the strength to look away…Jesus, help me believe you satisfy…Jesus, thanks for loving me and forgiving me even if I fail right now.”

There’s something about that name. Alcoholics Anonymous makes a claim, “The power of addiction is secrecy.” There’s power when we bring our fight to Him. Paul said, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He says, in Colossians, “For this I toil, struggling with all His energy that he powerfully works within me.” (1:29)

from UNCOMMEN: The Delusion Of Porn

‘“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your hand—even your stronger hand—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.’ Matthew 5:27-30(NLT)

‘Don’t lust for her beauty. Don’t let her coy glances seduce you. For a prostitute will bring you to poverty, but sleeping with another man’s wife will cost you your life. Can a man scoop a flame into his lap and not have his clothes catch on fire? Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet? So it is with the man who sleeps with another man’s wife. He who embraces her will not go unpunished. Excuses might be found for a thief who steals because he is starving. But if he is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole, even if he has to sell everything in his house. But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself.’ Proverbs 6:25-32(NLT)

Scripture: Matthew 5:27-30; Proverbs 6:25-32

Maybe I’m the only one who thinks this is funny, but every time I read Jesus’ words about lust in the Sermon on the Mount, I think about pirates.

After all, the only people I know with one eye and one hand are pirates. I’m guessing Jesus isn’t being overly literal here because, to my knowledge, pirates were not known for their chastity.

Instead, I wonder if he’s saying it’s far better to go to extreme measures, including physical pain, if it meant protecting yourself from fleeting pleasures and counterfeit love. Over and over again in Proverbs, Solomon, who when it came to women made pirates look like they all wore purity rings, warned his son, “Do not desire her beauty in your heart, and do not let her capture you with her eyelashes.” (6:25) While he was specifically talking about an adulterous woman, from Jesus’ interpretation, we could apply this to any image or person outside a spouse.

Solomon continued, “Can a man carry fire next to his chest and his clothes not be burned? Or can one walk on hot coals and his feet not be scorched? He who commits adultery lacks sense; he who does it destroys himself.” (6:27-28, 32)

Jesus calls us to purity not because he’s the fun police, but because he’s fighting for our joy. He created sex. He knows best how it’s to be enjoyed. When we train our bodies and brains to be satisfied by pixels rather than people, we miss out on the intimacy he longs for us to experience. Sex, porn, and flames burning outside of a covenant marriage may be fun for a season, but eventually it will torch lasting joy.

In a word, pornography has the propensity to transform men and women into pirates – pillagers of others to fulfill my sexual needs, wants, and fantasies. Such piracy only leads to a life of never-ending craving rather than lifelong satisfaction

God designed us as human beings for intimacy and not just the biological act of sex. Intimacy requires me to think about another’s needs, wants, and desires. When I die to self, I find life, happiness, and long-lasting satisfaction.

Do you need to take some extreme measures to protect God’s gift of intimacy? Maybe you need to confess a secret addiction, purge a browser off your devices, or get into a regular group where there’s strict accountability. It’s worth it. When it comes to true sexual satisfaction, the pirate’s life is not for you. You were made for more.

from UNCOMMEN: The Delusion Of Porn

‘Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.’ 1 Corinthians 6:18-20(NLT)

‘The people asked, “Is he planning to commit suicide? What does he mean, ‘You cannot come where I am going’?” Jesus continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You belong to this world; I do not. That is why I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I Am who I claim to be, you will die in your sins.” “Who are you?” they demanded. Jesus replied, “The one I have always claimed to be. For I say only what I have heard from the one who sent me, and he is completely truthful.” But they still didn’t understand that he was talking about his Father. So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I Am he. I do nothing on my own but say only what the Father taught me. And the one who sent me is with me—he has not deserted me. For I always do what pleases him.” Then many who heard him say these things believed in him.
Jesus and Abraham
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. ‘ John 8:22-34(NLT)

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; John 8:32-34

The idea that porn, like heroin, cocaine, or tobacco, may give you temporary pleasure, but it robs you of long term health, satisfaction, and joy.

And science is finally backing up that claim.

If I see someone smoking a cigarette, I’ll ask my kids, “Hey, want to go light up? Just one smoke?”

My middle schooler scoffs and says, “Why would I want to puff a cancer stick?” I don’t think I’ve had two conversations with them about the dangers of tobacco, but back in the 80’s our culture made a dramatic shift. They knocked the Marlboro Man off his horse, and smokers faded to the fringes.

People who smoke aren’t stupid. They don’t exclaim, “I never knew smoking could paint my teeth yellow, blacken my lungs, and coat my throat with cancer. Why didn’t anyone tell me?!”

Schools start early with anti-smoking TRUTH campaigns. Billboards prophesy death. Commercials scare with Hollywood horror efficiency.

Smokers know the facts – but facts alone won’t change a heart. Those who puff believe the short-term pleasure is worth more than the long-term side effects.

Which is exactly what I believe every time I choose to puff up my pride to impress important people, or buy the latest shiny gadget I can’t afford, or go out of my way to look longingly at a woman other than my wife.

As a good friend of mine says, “I’m not stupid, I’m just stubborn.” Every time we chase “fleeting pleasures,” (Hebrews 11:25) we say to the Psalmist crying out that God doesn’t withhold any good thing (Ps. 84:11): “God may be real, but he cannot satisfy me as much as (insert sin).”

Twenty years from now, I believe our kids and grandkids will look at us like we look at three-pack-a-day smokers — they will wonder why we consumed pornography at such an alarming rate. The facts are indisputable. Porn is just as addictive as heroin and cocaine. It spikes dopamine levels with the same ferocity as any narcotic.

While it promises sexual virility and freedom, it delivers sexual chains and frustration. Doctors are prescribing viagra to guys in their 20’s with a history of porn use because they’ve trained their brain to be satisfied by pixels more than people. On top of all that, it’s helping to fuel the largest slavery movement in history.

But facts alone won’t change a heart. For the vast majority of us, we don’t suffer from temporary amnesia when we look at porn. We go into every session with full knowledge this will damage my relationship with my God, my body (1 Cor. 6:18), and if I’m married or dating, my significant other. We look because we want to. We believe those fleeting pixels will satisfy us, curb our loneliness, or be a soothing balm for our insecurities far more than God can.

I don’t pretend to think there’s an easy answer to fighting porn. At least with smoking or drugs we’ve made a societal decision to create legal, economic, and social barriers to getting hooked. Thanks to the internet, we’ve removed all obstacles to porn. This may be the first vice in history that is instantly accessible, affordable, and culturally acceptable to everyone as long as you have a decent connection.

Jesus said in John 8:32, “The truth will set you free.” But let’s not confuse truth with facts. Facts, as John Adams said, “are stubborn things.” They may change your perception about porn, but facts alone can’t change a stubborn heart. Two verses later Jesus said, “Truly, truly I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Porn, like any sin, slowly enslaves us when we believe our secret glances will satisfy us more than Jesus. Jesus invites us to change. Will we take him up on that offer?

from UNCOMMEN: The Delusion Of Porn