The Most Vulnerable Time of the Year - Staying Pure.



Christmas season is a time that comes with many joys and blessings but it is also a time when many are most vulnerable to a most destructive temptation - pornography. In fact, it is during this time of year that websites and cable television report their highest rates of consumer viewing of the sexually explicit. Many factors come into play - the high stresses of work and schooling to the break and freedom of vacation. Whatever the many reasons, know that the danger is at hand. But there is also freedom available to enjoy life apart from porn's destructive nature. Freedom is always won when one chooses to battle and not surrender. 

 I'm not an expert, by no means, but a fellow fighter. Here are a few tips I have learned from God's Word and from some godly mentors Long my journey to keeping the purity and the freedom Christ has won for His followers: 

1. Remember who God is. He is the greatest object of our desire. He is the greatest adventure. He is more glorious. He alone satisfies. Take time to dive deep into His Word and allow His revelation of Himself fill your mind. Here is a list of a few scriptures that describe His many attributes. http://agreaterpassion.blogspot.com/2014/09/god-is-more-than-just-love.html

2. Remember who you are. As a child of God you are an instrument of His righteousness (Rom. 6:12). You have been made holy and blameless in His sight (Ephesians 1:4). God never intended you to be involved in those lies and that slavery. Live as He intended for you. The rest is a lie. 

3. Remember the destruction caused by sin. We could list forever the damages caused spiritually, mentally, emotionally, relationally and every area of your life being affected by those few moments of temporary excitement. Remember that it is NEVER worth it. How true are the words, the wages of sin is death - killing so many of the good things God has for us in life. 

 4. Lastly, remember the blessings of purity. It is the highest of joys to walk in pure fellowship with God and with one another. How true it is when Jesus tells us, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." As we walk close to Christ living in purity, we learn and experience so much more of all that He is. The Lord is able to use us to bless others as well versus being sidelined because we are too busy polluting ourselves. Sex as God intended is His gift to us. The Evil One will lie and lead us astray to steal those many blessing of obedience to God. His Word is our weapon. Psalm 119-9-11 "How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your word. I seek You with all my heart; do not let me stray from Your commands. I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You."

 This holiday season, determine to draw near to Him and make it a HolyDay season. And don't try to go it alone. 2 Timothy 2:22 reminds us, "Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." It's too tough a battle to fight on your own. Call out a trusted friend and ask them to pray with you during this season. Hang out and enjoy some good friendships.

 For those who have already failed. Confess with a broken and contrite heart, (Psalm 51:17). The Lord has never turned away anyone desirous of His mercy and righteousness. Share with someone else your struggle. And get back to walking close to Christ. Proverbs 24:16 "Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up." 

 Start living today the way He called you to live - in freedom. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1. 

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