I once saw a video of a little
boy, around two or three years old, at his birthday party. His cake was nearby,
and he couldn’t resist touching it. When everyone’s attention was diverted, he
plunged his hand into the butter icing, ruining the cake’s appearance. Though
the cake was his and he would eventually eat it, the timing was wrong, and he
spoiled it for the photographs. This scenario is much like how sexual
temptation works. Temptation can feel overwhelmingly urgent, but it’s not.
Everyone faces temptations, and we can control ourselves because God empowers
us through His Holy Spirit.
Sex is a powerful drive, but
like any other drive, it can be controlled. It is an appetite that can be
managed. Some may wonder why God created this appetite if we’re not supposed to
indulge in it outside of marriage. The reason is that indulging in sex outside
the confines of marriage can hurt us in many ways. One significant consequence
of premarital sex is that it destroys the foundation of trust and respect
between partners. It often stems from selfish desires, seeking
self-gratification rather than honouring God and delaying gratification until
the right time.
We must honour God with our
bodies, as our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, bought with a high price
(1 Corinthians 6:19-20). To do this, we need to control our minds because the
battle against temptation starts there. If we win in our minds, we will win
physically. Here are some practical ways to handle sexual temptations:
- Guard
Your Mind: Be mindful of what you consume mentally.
Avoid consuming content or staying in environments that stimulate
inappropriate thoughts. Whatever preoccupies your mind will eventually
dictate your actions.
- Practice
Fasting: Fasting helps you humble your soul and
starve the flesh, strengthening your spirit to resist temptations (Psalm
35:13). Fasting destroys the yoke of temptation and fortifies your spirit.
- Avoid
Triggers: Stay away from websites, social media
handles, and situations that trigger temptations. Unfollow accounts that
lead you astray, avoid watching inappropriate content, and keep yourself
occupied to prevent idleness.
Remember, it is possible to
overcome sexual temptations. With God's help and by implementing these
strategies, you can honour God with your body.
Call to Action: Commit
today to these actions and experience the freedom and peace that comes from
living a life that honours God in every way.
- Guard Your Mind:
Be vigilant about what you allow into your thoughts. Avoid content and
environments that lead you astray. Commit to renewing your mind daily with
God's Word.
- Practice
Fasting: Incorporate fasting into your spiritual
routine; it helps to strengthen your spirit. Use this time to draw closer
to God and seek His strength to resist temptations.
- Avoid
Triggers: Identify and eliminate triggers that
lead to temptation. Unfollow problematic social media accounts, avoid
inappropriate content, and stay away from compromising situations.
- Stay
Accountable: Find a trustworthy, mature Christian to
hold you accountable. Share your struggles and seek their support and
prayers.
- Pray
Regularly: Make prayer a constant part of your life.
Ask God for the strength to overcome temptations and to help you honour Him
with your body.
- Stay
Engaged: Keep yourself occupied with productive
activities that honour God. Avoid idleness, which can lead to temptation.