One of the great myths that usually get debunked early on for lots of young people, is this notion that if a person gets married...they will no longer struggle or ‘burn’ with sexual ‘lust’.

Yes, Paul did write and say that if it was not your ‘gifting’ to remain single, and presumably ‘celibate’, then getting married was highly recommended because it was ‘better to marry than to burn with passion’ (1 Cor. 7:8-9). But let me say it again loud and clear: Marriage is not the ‘cure all’ when it comes to overcoming sexual lust.

I should also point out here that simply growing older, where it can be normal for sexual desire to diminish over time due to lowering levels of testosterone and such, does not exempt one from battling with sexual lust, because there are plenty of ‘older men’, well in to their 70’s and 80’s, if not older...who are addicted to porn, or worse. It cannot be overstated enough...that we live in a world greatly influenced by wicked spirits of darkness and evil that are bent on corrupting and distorting everything that God made that was ‘good’. (Eph. 6:12; 2 Cor. 2:11; 1 John 5:19). And yes, ‘sexual addiction’ is ‘a thing’ that both men and women find themselves seeking treatment for today, and in great numbers.

There really is so much more I could write and add to this topic, as it is one that many sincere people grapple with and have questions regarding, especially in how it relates to their faith and how to deal with it. Let me share a few passages from God’s word that you might find beneficial, because as usual, God always says it better than any of us can; but the only way His word can help us is if we want...it to help and bring freedom which comes about when we begin to ‘do the word’ as opposed to just hearing it or quoting it. (John 8:32-36; Matt. 7:24-27)

Paul wrote: “Everything is permissible for me, but not all things are beneficial. Everything is permissible for me, but I will not be enslaved by anything [and brought under its power, allowing it to control me].” (1 Cor. 6:12 Amp). That really is the issue here with any area or appetite in our life that God ‘allows’ or gives us to have for our enjoyment. He just wants to make sure it does not ‘have us’ (or our hearts). I would encourage you to read through from that verse all the way through to 7:9, as he speaks to this area of ‘self-control’ in regards to our bodies which he reminds us are the ‘temple of the Holy Spirit’. He points out both areas we have looked at dealing with food and sexual desires, and interestingly he encourages that even married couples take time to ‘abstain’ from their sexual relations, as a form of regulating or controlling their passions and desires (1 Cor. 7:5). I know...some of you reading here might be snickering with an eye roll wanting to convey that has never been a challenge in your marriage to do.

Like I said...so much more I could write but I will offer up some solid advice here to consider in conclusion. As I mentioned the other day, Jesus implied that fasting, or abstaining from eating food and drink ought to be a regular practice in our lives as well. There are multiple reasons for that, but I have no doubt helping regulate and control our physical appetites would be part of that reason, whether we are talking about hunger for food ...or as Paul points out, sexual desires.

A few more verses for your consideration: “I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman.” (Job 31:1)

“...continue to work out your salvation [that is, cultivate it, bring it to full effect, actively pursue spiritual maturity] with awe-inspired fear and trembling [using serious caution and critical self-evaluation to avoid anything that might offend God or discredit the name of Christ].(Phil. 2:12- Amp)

“...we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:5). Why is that? Because we have an ‘enemy, the devil who goes about like a roaring lion seeking to devour’ (1 Pet. 5:8) and we are warned to ‘give him no place’ (Eph. 4:27). And I honestly believe that we don’t really give that enough consideration, that it really is a ‘spiritual’ force we are dealing with when it comes to ‘lusting’ for anything in this world. Do you recall when Jesus addressed this topic of adultery and how it actually begins with ‘lusting in the heart’? (Matt. 5:27-30). You should revisit Eph. 2:1-3 for added clarification as Paul tells us plainly....there is/was a ‘spirit’ (demon) that works IN us...operating through the fleshly desires of our hearts and minds. And can I just tell you now that outside of truly turning to Jesus with your whole heart and then continuing on with Him, as in ‘abiding’ in Him...you will never master or overcome any of these areas in your life. And your end does not abode well either (Matt. 12:43-45).

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it repeatedly here: In order to abide in Jesus, one must be willing...to abide in Him; and that means being ready to surrender 100% to His lordship. Otherwise...you may as well continue ‘figuring it all out’ on your own, and good luck with that. May I again refer you to the rich young ruler who made it quite clear – he still had some things he was holding on to in his heart and just wasn’t ready to let go of them. To think one can continue on with Jesus in this walk of faith while ‘vetoing’ His leading and instruction with any area in your life when it is not convenient for you ...is to be deceived. At best, you can walk in a ‘form of godliness’ (2 Tim. 3:5) and still continue to ‘learn...but you will fall short in coming to the knowledge of the truth’ (2 Tim. 3:7; John 5:39-40)

Why call Him ‘Lord’...if we are unwilling to do what He says’? (Luke 6:46)

Giving Him 'the wheel', as Carrie Underwood made so popular in her song...really is a thing; but it sure helps to let Him 'keep it' all the time; just don't bail out of the car when you do turn it over to Him.  He knows how to drive and to get you where you need to go.