Thoughts on Purity

I used to struggle a lot with purity. Things like lust, pornography, masturbation and such. Many if not most guys do. It’s always been kind of a hush hush thing in Christendom. I’m thankful to modern purity movements who are removing the shame and releasing redemption for those who’ve been caught in addiction and lost in lust. I know what that felt like. It felt like I was enslaved, trapped, out of control, and unable to save myself or get help of any kind. Scriptural concepts like the one that says “He will never let you be tempted beyond what you can endure…” seemed ineffectual at the least.

Lately I’ve been enjoying a season of pure thoughts and healthy habits. I think much of this has to do with meeting my needs. I believe I talked on this before and so I won’t go into depth. Being aware each day of what’s missing or how I am feeling, and taking steps to meeting those needs often positions me for healthy choices and contentment.

The other day I was thinking about lust and temptation and I believe when one tends to try to meet their needs in an unhealthy way in these areas it often has to do with the need for closeness, intimacy, or acceptance. This led me to believe that often in the time of greatest temptation one could be facing an opportunity for a deep and intimate encounter with God. That the actual need for closeness paired with one turning his affections toward the Father would in turn produce a deep encounter with God that would be life giving, mind renewing, and heart refreshing…

I believe that when the enemy presents a temptation to our mind he is aware of our unmet needs and he wants to distract us from meeting that need in the arms of Christ. That temptation may in fact be an indicator of an invitation to enter into the deepest places of intimacy with the Father. Oh that I might be able to recognize and embrace that in the future everytime temptation comes…

Peace to you, to your mind, to your heart. May His face shine upon you. May His grace empower you. And may His love embrace you.