Welcome to episode #74!
This week, Matt and Braden relieve some guilt people feel about their sexual desires by differentiating between lust and sexual desire.
God gave you a sexual desire
When porn has run rampant in our lives, it's common to wish for no more sexual desire. We need to instead pray for wisdom in discerning what is lust and what is a healthy sexual desire. God gave us sexual desires to be attracted to the people we get married to and see God's beauty, among many other reasons. He wants us to crave our spouses sexually, so don't pray away your sexual desire. Pray for the wisdom and strength to have your true sexual desires come to the forefront so you can act on them, rather than giving into lust.
It's okay to notice beautiful people
Many people have guilt or shame when they notice beautiful people. It's common to think that noticing someone is beautiful is automatically lust, so you don't go near that person or see them for who they really are. If you can be around beautiful people and know simply as a fact that they're attractive, then you won't go into infatuation or lust where you just think sexual thoughts. Jesus would never have bounced His eyes to turn away from someone who was beautiful and we don't have to either if we're in a healthy spot. We can instead see each person for who they really are.
Know the lines that are crossed when it's lust
Lust acts impulsively in the moment. It's self-focused and reminiscent of a dog in heat. When lust takes over, there is no thought about the other person's well-being, value, or pleasure and the person gets to work instantly, whether practically or in their minds. Lust also plays on our insecurities so when we feel insecure, it promises to make us feel better, no matter what the insecurity is. It's always a lie and never satisfies. Sexual desires acted on in godly ways are under control, have the other person in mind, and waits until the time when God gives the green light to act.
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Stay tuned
Next week, Matt and Braden talk to Brett Ullman about the connection between media, mental health, and porn.
ResourcesPure Freedom Community for men 18+