Consider for a moment how most people in our culture think and talk about sex. In much of the media, sex is viewed as something everybody wants, something people pursue, something people enjoy together or by themselves—no limits as long as it’s consensual. In reaction to these overly permissive views, many Christians view sex as something shameful and embarrassing, something that can entice...
If you struggle with unwanted sexual thoughts or behaviors, I have an important question for you: What do those struggles lead you to believe about yourself? Do Lies of a faulty identity ring true? Everybody I know who has a history of habitual sexual sin has their own unique list of negative words, ideas, and images they are tempted to believe about themselves: Perhaps dirty...
One of the most insidious ideas floating in the airwaves of this generation goes something like this: Men lust. It’s just what men do. What Does It Mean to Be a Man? The same idea comes out in a hundred ways. Some examples: Men are visual, so put an attractive person in front of them and they’re going to lust.Men need sex.Every guy looks at porn from time to time.There’s nothing wrong with...
Matt is a young man who is trying to leave behind a long habit of viewing pornography, of returning to sin, and occasionally having sex with strangers. He’s a recent college graduate working a job he doesn’t love while he pursues his true passion: Music. Matt would love to be a Christian musician or a worship leader. Last month was one of the best and worst Matt’s had in a long time. At the...
Has pornography shaped your view of sex? We all look online when we have questions. Whether asking Alexa what tomorrow’s weather forecast is, Waze how to get into the city without paying tolls, or Siri how to spell kalbasa kilbasa keilbasa kielbasa, our devices offer us easy access to a wealth of information. Growing up, kids reach a point when they’re curious about sex. This is normal and good...
If you’re struggling compulsively with unwanted sexual behavior, what you most need may surprise you. I met with Mike last year and listened as he talked about his love of God and his intense desire to bring the truth of Jesus to a lost world. But Mike was falling repeatedly into patterns of sexual sin. The disparity between his convictions and his actions left Mike angry at himself. Listening to...
