Spiritual Warfare - the sexual battleground

[KenE@21B]

I want to preface this testimony with a Biblical truth: "If you don't control your thoughts your thoughts will control you"

I had an amazing salvation\conversion experience when I was sixteen years old. However, due to a lack of discipleship, I eventually backslid, convinced that my conversion experience had been an episode of teenage guilt and hysteria.

In my thirties I made a whole-hearted commitment to follow Jesus. I went through a process of self-examination and systematically dealt with each area in my life where I knew I had dishonored the Lord.

(I am going to use 'layman's language' to explain the following processes I went through for the sake of better understanding - I didnt know any better and this is how I managed the process)

I knew that God could see the very intents of my heart and that I really 'meant business' with Him about overcoming my weaknesses and strongholds, so when I started to have (bad) sexual dreams AFTER I had repented and renounced my involvement with pornography, I was disappointed and distressed.

The first night that I woke up in the middle of such a dream, I tossed and turned, telling God that He knew I was sincere in my decision and endeavors to walk uprightly and asked Him to help me to stop having these dreams.

The second night I had another sexual dream - and again I wrestled with God about the battle of becoming free of these dreams.

The third night in a row, I had yet another sexual dream! This time I rose, and got down onto my knees, pleading with the Holy Spirit to help me discern the source of these unwanted intrusions into my mind.

I then received a remarkable revelation - in my mind's eye(?) I saw a garden, in the process of being groomed, with a grotesque weed growing right in the middle of it.
The Lord showed me that during my interaction with pornographic movies, I had allowed a 'seed' to be planted in this garden and it had grown unchecked.

This particular weed had a title: 'spirit of infidelity' because I had made a vow before God and witnesses to be faithful to my wife, but had broken this vow by looking in lust at other women in the porn movies.

According to the Scripture of 'putting the axe to the root', in the Spirit I 'uprooted' this weed out of the 'garden of my soul' and 'cast it into outer darkness'.

That night I went back to sleep with a sense of victory and relief, knowing that I had dealt a blow to satan's influence over my life.

I also learned a valuable lesson about the enemy's tactics of using 'fiery darts' - i.e. planting thoughts in our minds to create temptation and to lead us to sin - I realized that he could do this while we were asleep!
This is one of the reasons Scripture tells us to put on the WHOLE armour of God, of which the helmet of salvation serves to protect our minds against such fiery darts.

To my horror, a few nights later, I woke up during yet another sexual dream. It was different to the previous dreams and this time I immediately sought the Lord's help.

As I knelt in prayer I realized that this dream was supposed to make me believe that my previous 'victory' had been a failure - another of satan's lies!

This time I was shown another weed in the garden of my soul with a different title - 'spirit of perversion' - because of the unnatural practices I had viewed in the porn movies. As before, I pulled this 'weed' out by it's roots and 'cast it into outer darkness'.

This process continued for some time as I systematically cleared out the garbage I had accumulated in my soul - there were 'weeds' (strongholds) of 'lust', 'depravity', 'bestiality', 'violence', 'sadism'.... so as you can imagine my 'innocent' practice of watching of all manner of pornographic movies had left powerful strongholds in my life through which the enemy kept me from growing in faith and holiness. It took months to reach a point where I felt that my full armour was in place, that my heart and mind were constantly guarded, and that I was really able to start making meaningful progress in my walk with Jesus.

Now, many years later, I must confess that even after having gone through that process, I am still not immune to the incessant attacks of the enemy.

We are inundated with sexualized images in every form of media.

I do realize that God has created beautiful people and that one cannot walk or drive down the road with your eyes closed.

One 'check and balance' that I think is fair, is to admire such beauty without allowing one's eyes to wander or one's thoughts to be steered awry. A definite sign of weakness and a sure pathway to sinful thoughts is a second look!

When such images appear (unsolicited) in the media, the best defence we have it to turn our eyes away! This may seem like a childlike response, but if you just ask the Holy Spirit to 'catch you' when such temptation arises, He will remind and help you to avert your eyes.

As I prepare to post this message I have been reminded that this process of self-examination is not a one-time thing. We should constantly and sincerely pray Psalm 139 over ourselves: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

God bless you if you have read this testimony and found anything that helps you to gain victory in this vital battle against a tireless enemy.

 

[cheeky200386]

I want to preface this testimony with a Biblical truth: "If you don't control your thoughts your thoughts will control you"

I had an amazing salvation\conversion experience when I was sixteen years old. However, due to a lack of discipleship, I eventually backslid, convinced that my conversion experience had been an episode of teenage guilt and hysteria.

In my thirties I made a whole-hearted commitment to follow Jesus. I went through a process of self-examination and systematically dealt with each area in my life where I knew I had dishonored the Lord.

(I am going to use 'layman's language' to explain the following processes I went through for the sake of better understanding - I didnt know any better and this is how I managed the process)

I knew that God could see the very intents of my heart and that I really 'meant business' with Him about overcoming my weaknesses and strongholds, so when I started to have (bad) sexual dreams AFTER I had repented and renounced my involvement with pornography, I was disappointed and distressed.

The first night that I woke up in the middle of such a dream, I tossed and turned, telling God that He knew I was sincere in my decision and endeavors to walk uprightly and asked Him to help me to stop having these dreams.

The second night I had another sexual dream - and again I wrestled with God about the battle of becoming free of these dreams.

The third night in a row, I had yet another sexual dream! This time I rose, and got down onto my knees, pleading with the Holy Spirit to help me discern the source of these unwanted intrusions into my mind.

I then received a remarkable revelation - in my mind's eye(?) I saw a garden, in the process of being groomed, with a grotesque weed growing right in the middle of it.
The Lord showed me that during my interaction with pornographic movies, I had allowed a 'seed' to be planted in this garden and it had grown unchecked.

This particular weed had a title: 'spirit of infidelity' because I had made a vow before God and witnesses to be faithful to my wife, but had broken this vow by looking in lust at other women in the porn movies.

According to the Scripture of 'putting the axe to the root', in the Spirit I 'uprooted' this weed out of the 'garden of my soul' and 'cast it into outer darkness'.

That night I went back to sleep with a sense of victory and relief, knowing that I had dealt a blow to satan's influence over my life.

I also learned a valuable lesson about the enemy's tactics of using 'fiery darts' - i.e. planting thoughts in our minds to create temptation and to lead us to sin - I realized that he could do this while we were asleep!
This is one of the reasons Scripture tells us to put on the WHOLE armour of God, of which the helmet of salvation serves to protect our minds against such fiery darts.

To my horror, a few nights later, I woke up during yet another sexual dream. It was different to the previous dreams and this time I immediately sought the Lord's help.

As I knelt in prayer I realized that this dream was supposed to make me believe that my previous 'victory' had been a failure - another of satan's lies!

This time I was shown another weed in the garden of my soul with a different title - 'spirit of perversion' - because of the unnatural practices I had viewed in the porn movies. As before, I pulled this 'weed' out by it's roots and 'cast it into outer darkness'.

This process continued for some time as I systematically cleared out the garbage I had accumulated in my soul - there were 'weeds' (strongholds) of 'lust', 'depravity', 'bestiality', 'violence', 'sadism'.... so as you can imagine my 'innocent' practice of watching of all manner of pornographic movies had left powerful strongholds in my life through which the enemy kept me from growing in faith and holiness. It took months to reach a point where I felt that my full armour was in place, that my heart and mind were constantly guarded, and that I was really able to start making meaningful progress in my walk with Jesus.

Now, many years later, I must confess that even after having gone through that process, I am still not immune to the incessant attacks of the enemy.

We are inundated with sexualized images in every form of media.

I do realize that God has created beautiful people and that one cannot walk or drive down the road with your eyes closed.

One 'check and balance' that I think is fair, is to admire such beauty without allowing one's eyes to wander or one's thoughts to be steered awry. A definite sign of weakness and a sure pathway to sinful thoughts is a second look!

When such images appear (unsolicited) in the media, the best defence we have it to turn our eyes away! This may seem like a childlike response, but if you just ask the Holy Spirit to 'catch you' when such temptation arises, He will remind and help you to avert your eyes.

As I prepare to post this message I have been reminded that this process of self-examination is not a one-time thing. We should constantly and sincerely pray Psalm 139 over ourselves: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

God bless you if you have read this testimony and found anything that helps you to gain victory in this vital battle against a tireless enemy.

Praise God! You're right we are to Flee from sexual immorality which can mean turning our eyes immediately away. I've had to do that and I'm a woman. The more we do it and train our eyes to dart away, it becomes like a reflex. I want to train my son and daughter to do that too.

My husband said he started training his eyes to do that more now that he's been reading the Bible.

 

[pixelpusher]

I am quite familiar with the ceiling and the floor/parking lot at the local grocery store. Once you've said "no" enough in your mind, it becomes easier an less of an issue, but you can't get complacent. Take every thought captive... and don't let the birds build a nest in your hair.

 

[ItIsFinished!]

I am quite familiar with the ceiling and the floor/parking lot at the local grocery store. Once you've said "no" enough in your mind, it becomes easier an less of an issue, but you can't get complacent. Take every thought captive... and don't let the birds build a nest in your hair.

 

[Jaybird]

It is surely a struggle. Wonderful testimony. It reminds me of these verses.

2Co 10:4-5

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.

 

[Katie8758]

Matthew 6:22 comes to mind.

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[c] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[d] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

I love how you are taking up your cross and fighting the good fight

 

[GHoe]

I want to preface this testimony with a Biblical truth: "If you don't control your thoughts your thoughts will control you"

I had an amazing salvation\conversion experience when I was sixteen years old. However, due to a lack of discipleship, I eventually backslid, convinced that my conversion experience had been an episode of teenage guilt and hysteria.

In my thirties I made a whole-hearted commitment to follow Jesus. I went through a process of self-examination and systematically dealt with each area in my life where I knew I had dishonored the Lord.

(I am going to use 'layman's language' to explain the following processes I went through for the sake of better understanding - I didnt know any better and this is how I managed the process)

I knew that God could see the very intents of my heart and that I really 'meant business' with Him about overcoming my weaknesses and strongholds, so when I started to have (bad) sexual dreams AFTER I had repented and renounced my involvement with pornography, I was disappointed and distressed.

The first night that I woke up in the middle of such a dream, I tossed and turned, telling God that He knew I was sincere in my decision and endeavors to walk uprightly and asked Him to help me to stop having these dreams.

The second night I had another sexual dream - and again I wrestled with God about the battle of becoming free of these dreams.

The third night in a row, I had yet another sexual dream! This time I rose, and got down onto my knees, pleading with the Holy Spirit to help me discern the source of these unwanted intrusions into my mind.

I then received a remarkable revelation - in my mind's eye(?) I saw a garden, in the process of being groomed, with a grotesque weed growing right in the middle of it.
The Lord showed me that during my interaction with pornographic movies, I had allowed a 'seed' to be planted in this garden and it had grown unchecked.

This particular weed had a title: 'spirit of infidelity' because I had made a vow before God and witnesses to be faithful to my wife, but had broken this vow by looking in lust at other women in the porn movies.

According to the Scripture of 'putting the axe to the root', in the Spirit I 'uprooted' this weed out of the 'garden of my soul' and 'cast it into outer darkness'.

That night I went back to sleep with a sense of victory and relief, knowing that I had dealt a blow to satan's influence over my life.

I also learned a valuable lesson about the enemy's tactics of using 'fiery darts' - i.e. planting thoughts in our minds to create temptation and to lead us to sin - I realized that he could do this while we were asleep!
This is one of the reasons Scripture tells us to put on the WHOLE armour of God, of which the helmet of salvation serves to protect our minds against such fiery darts.

To my horror, a few nights later, I woke up during yet another sexual dream. It was different to the previous dreams and this time I immediately sought the Lord's help.

As I knelt in prayer I realized that this dream was supposed to make me believe that my previous 'victory' had been a failure - another of satan's lies!

This time I was shown another weed in the garden of my soul with a different title - 'spirit of perversion' - because of the unnatural practices I had viewed in the porn movies. As before, I pulled this 'weed' out by it's roots and 'cast it into outer darkness'.

This process continued for some time as I systematically cleared out the garbage I had accumulated in my soul - there were 'weeds' (strongholds) of 'lust', 'depravity', 'bestiality', 'violence', 'sadism'.... so as you can imagine my 'innocent' practice of watching of all manner of pornographic movies had left powerful strongholds in my life through which the enemy kept me from growing in faith and holiness. It took months to reach a point where I felt that my full armour was in place, that my heart and mind were constantly guarded, and that I was really able to start making meaningful progress in my walk with Jesus.

Now, many years later, I must confess that even after having gone through that process, I am still not immune to the incessant attacks of the enemy.

We are inundated with sexualized images in every form of media.

I do realize that God has created beautiful people and that one cannot walk or drive down the road with your eyes closed.

One 'check and balance' that I think is fair, is to admire such beauty without allowing one's eyes to wander or one's thoughts to be steered awry. A definite sign of weakness and a sure pathway to sinful thoughts is a second look!

When such images appear (unsolicited) in the media, the best defence we have it to turn our eyes away! This may seem like a childlike response, but if you just ask the Holy Spirit to 'catch you' when such temptation arises, He will remind and help you to avert your eyes.

As I prepare to post this message I have been reminded that this process of self-examination is not a one-time thing. We should constantly and sincerely pray Psalm 139 over ourselves: "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

God bless you if you have read this testimony and found anything that helps you to gain victory in this vital battle against a tireless enemy.

You mentioned you had a remarkable revelation as experienced through your mind's 3rd eye and that on multiple occasions such as below you (quotes), in your spirit form you were able to cast many "weeds of infidelity" or sinful behaviors into outer darkness.

("the Spirit I 'uprooted' this weed out of the 'garden of my soul' and 'cast it into outer darkness'." -
"As before, I pulled this 'weed' out by it's roots and 'cast it into outer darkness'.")

Do you still have revelations and or experience things through your mind's 3rd eye ?

Could you describe a little further how you cast these "weeds" into outer darkness through your spirit ?

Thank you

 

[twerpv]

For any younger parents out there, it is critically important that you sew these Godly principles into your kids early and often (especially boys - not sorry if that sounds unwoke).
I remember walking in the mall with my then 3yr old son, holding my hand as we passed by the Victoria Secret store. I watched him as we walked past these huge posters of half dressed women in the store windows. He stared at them the entire time we walked by. He then looked up at me and I said, “what are you looking at?” He had this sheepish grin on his face.
I knew right then and there that he needed me to try and sew into him Gods Word as it pertains to sexual sin. He was experiencing this AT 3yrs old!!
Anyway, I tried to be conscious of what looked at, what I watched and how I spoke about women, especially in front of him. I by no means am saying I was great at it, just that it was something God called me to do early.

 

[twerpv]

Sorry, one other thought/question, it seems that sexual sin is more insidious, traps us and has a hold on us more than most (all?) sins. I’m not ranking it or saying it’s worse’ just that why is sexual deviancy (meaning anything that doesn’t align with God’s definition, not man’s) seemingly have such a hold on men and women?

 

[GHoe]

Sorry, one other thought/question, it seems that sexual sin is more insidious, traps us and has a hold on us more than most (all?) sins. I’m not ranking it or saying it’s worse’ just that why is sexual deviancy (meaning anything that doesn’t align with God’s definition, not man’s) seemingly have such a hold on men and women?

One thing that comes to mind is sexual deviance / sin outside God's will is addictive and available to everyone at any time. Maybe nit a great comparison but heroin is also addictive and pleasurable but it is available to many most of the time not everyone at anytime.

One thing about sexual deviance is that since it is so prevalent and addictive, it does allow all to partake (anytime) and so all have opportunity to see it as sin, repent and seek Jesus. Where as many who don't do heroin, don't have the ability to then say well I don't sin or have self control issues (they just dont have issues with heroin but they still have si.ikar issues). We all get to take a bite of the apple and have it shown to us by the Holy Spirit, ask forgiveness, repent and ask Jesus to be our savior.

I hate how sexual sin has laid waste to aspects / persons / relationships in my own life...but I have to say when I am shown that blatant truth of how broken I am by it, I find myself needing / wanting God more. And to be honest if it wasn't there I may not desire Jesus as much and believe more in my own strength if possible.

It almost sounds like I'm thankful for my affliction. I hate it but if it's the affliction that gets me to heaven through conviction, faith and grace then.. so be it. It's not what God wants for my life but he'll allow my affliction if it benefits my relationship with him. Another Isaiah 55:8-9 situation perhaps, I'll ask our Father when I meet him.

 

[KenE@21B]

You mentioned you had a remarkable revelation as experienced through your mind's 3rd eye and that on multiple occasions such as below you (quotes), in your spirit form you were able to cast many "weeds of infidelity" or sinful behaviors into outer darkness.

("the Spirit I 'uprooted' this weed out of the 'garden of my soul' and 'cast it into outer darkness'." -
"As before, I pulled this 'weed' out by it's roots and 'cast it into outer darkness'.")

Do you still have revelations and or experience things through your mind's 3rd eye ?

Could you describe a little further how you cast these "weeds" into outer darkness through your spirit ?

Thank you

Not once did I use the phrase '3rd' eye.

I was simply expressing how I was visualizing what was being revealed to me.

Imagination and dreams are not seen through a '3rd eye' but through processes that take place in the amazing brain that God designed.

The 'uprooting' was done in child-like faith.
How else would one remove a weed from a garden but by grasping, pulling, and throwing away.

If you are trying to insinuate that I am advocating new age or 'visualization techniques' please don't. I prefixed the 'process' by saying that I will use 'layman's language' to describe what I did.

 

[GHoe]

Not once did I use the phrase '3rd' eye.

I was simply expressing how I was visualizing what was being revealed to me.

Imagination and dreams are not seen through a '3rd eye' but through processes that take place in the amazing brain that God designed.

The 'uprooting' was done in child-like faith.
How else would one remove a weed from a garden but by grasping, pulling, and throwing away.

If you are trying to insinuate that I am advocating new age or 'visualization techniques' please don't. I prefixed the 'process' by saying that I will use 'layman's language' to describe what I did.

I didn't message to insinuate so much as I did ask to help me clarify for my own understanding because I simply did not understand what you were trying to say. But yes the language regardless of your intent to be simple, kind of had a new age tone to it, to me. And yes I stand corrected you said mind's eye not third eye or mind's third eye which we both know is clearly unbiblical.

You mentioned "in the Spirit I 'uprooted' this weed out of the 'garden of my soul' and 'cast it into outer darkness'."
When coupled with receiving many revelations (this has occurred to you multiple times) about the weeds in your life and then use of your mind's eye (which at the time, yes I had taken as mind's third eye), it did rather seem you were describing a practice of entering a higher consciousness / separation from body or spirit where you alone in your strength were able to remove the weed from your own soul and cast it out into darkness (wherever that is).

I guess I didn't see any "layman's terms' there. It's pretty descriptive and detailed about your multiple vivid experiences in which you were in spirit.. I was thinking layman's terms would be, "Through the word the Holy Spirit showed me my sin and prayed insesintly for its removal." So at the minimum I can agree now we don't communicate in a similar fashion.

Yes in the actual world you pull a weed out by it's root to uproot it, but In my battle with sin, I recognize the Holy Spirit convicting me, using the word and revelation of my sinful self, I pray to God and try to purify my heart by removing obstacles / roots that may trip me, leading to the sin. I've never considered being "in spirit" to pull the sin out of my soul like a weed and cast it into darkness, and forgive me but to be honest that does sound a but new age to me or at the minimum I've never heard that talk from a Christian. (Not saying you are not a saved Christian).

I also saw that previously you had posted about reading a new age occult book titled The Hidden Dangers Of The
Rainbow. No you didn't promote it but that added to the totality of my wondering. I wondered about your previous battles with sin, possibly new age that might still have strong holds (again I don't know you). And to be fair there is a lot of false teahing of New Age and Christianity co-mingled.

And so with the verbiage, my limited understanding of your words and the totality of all whether Intended or not, it gave off a vibe (to me) that I felt I wanted to probe a bit more for further understanding. Not to condem but to gain some insight and learn. We are told to test all spirits and I've never conversed with you. I do admit to have a sensitive ear to new age doctrine and a bit of a sheep dog mentality so I do apologize if you were / are offended, it wasn't my intent

 

[KenE@21B]

Sorry, one other thought/question, it seems that sexual sin is more insidious, traps us and has a hold on us more than most (all?) sins. I’m not ranking it or saying it’s worse’ just that why is sexual deviancy (meaning anything that doesn’t align with God’s definition, not man’s) seemingly have such a hold on men and women?

The problem lies in the pervasive nature of such immoral material in our society and the ease of access to it. Sadly, the media is programmed to track one's access to such material and then keep 'feeding' more and more links to ever more perverse material.

Thousands of marriages, relationships, jobs and lives are destroyed by this evil.

The danger lies in the fact that most people access pornography via their cellphones. People treat their cellphones far better than their Bibles. Their phones and are seldom more than an arm's length away, no matter where they go.

The power of such sin lies in its secrecy.

To the world one may appear as an upright, God fearing member of the community.
Behind closed doors the addiction is fed in private and in secret - the only ones who know about this are God, satan and you.

One of the keys to breaking the power of this sin over your life is to bring it out into the open. (James 5:16)

Once you have confessed to a brother or sister (that you can trust) about this sin, it loses (much of) its power over you.
By creating accountability to God and one of His children satan loses his power to use the sin against you for your destruction.

 

[Dave_97]

Sorry, one other thought/question, it seems that sexual sin is more insidious, traps us and has a hold on us more than most (all?) sins. I’m not ranking it or saying it’s worse’ just that why is sexual deviancy (meaning anything that doesn’t align with God’s definition, not man’s) seemingly have such a hold on men and women?

I’ve thought about this a lot over the years as a believer. Me myself being able to immediately quit all other sins right after salvation (drugs, drunkenness, and cursing like sailor), but have had a tricky time escaping the grips of lust (pornography mainly). I should mention I’ve definitely experienced long seasons of freedom from this sin that I had never experienced when I was not saved, so clearly leaning on God works, but the moment I’m not leaning on Christ the temptations start to creep in, and sadly I’ve had times I fell to this sin. I’m definitely still healing from the damages till today and taking drastic measures to stay pure.

What I have noticed is that most of those who tend to struggle are those who were exposed to this sin at a younger age. My conclusion is this, sexual sin in my opinion seems to be one of the toughest sins to quit (in my experience the toughest), because sexuality is part of us. It’s not necessarily a bad thing to have sexual desire for example, it’s actually a gift from God. However, acting on those desires outside of marriage is when it becomes sin. This includes impure thoughts and the physical action.

Due to early exposure to this sin, children today are training their bodies to lust and act on these desires outside of marriage. Because sexual acts tend to create strong bonds, it not only becomes sin, but a very difficult habit to stop.

The enemy is basically trapping children before their brain even has the time to learn what biblical sexuality is. It’s very disturbing how this stuff is a google search away. If you’re a parent and have internet at your house. The safest way to protect your house is to legit buy your own good router, set up strong parental controls, and if plan giving them a phone at a young age, set up parental controls built into the phone (example Screen Time for apple)

Yes eventually they will stumble into this sin when they are off to college or something, but a least you will already have taught them the correct biblical view of sexuality. The goal is they don’t develop a sinful habit early on in their youth which becomes difficult to quit later on.

 

[Dave_97]

The power of such sin lies in its secrecy.

To the world one may appear as an upright, God fearing member of the community.
Behind closed doors the addiction is fed in private and in secret - the only ones who know about this are God, satan and you.

One of the keys to breaking the power of this sin over your life is to bring it out into the open. (James 5:16)

Once you have confessed to a brother or sister (that you can trust) about this sin, it loses (much of) its power over you.
By creating accountability to God and one of His children satan loses his power to use the sin against you for your destruction.

Very deep and powerful words. True, this sin flourishes in secrecy. Confessing to a fellow believer has been a blessing even in my life in times of struggle.

 

[Matthew6:33]

[1Co 6:18 NKJV] 18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body.

I loathe pornography and sexual sin. I have struggled with it since my exposure in grade school. Luckily God has helped me tremendously to clean house starting years ago. I really feel sorry for the youth that are so deceived about sexuality. What a terrible trap it was to get stuck in at a young age. Thank you for your testimony.

 

[Anastacia]

When I was younger, the topic of pornography was one of the things that had caused me to question God because I just do not understand why He made men so inclined to lust, visual stimuli, and wanting to have sex with anyone, without love.

I appreciate hearing that it's a genuine and heart wrenching spiritual struggle because it is definitely one of the things that has put enmity between men and women. It's very easy for a wife to withdraw from her husband knowing his porn is more exciting than she could ever be. But it's a catch-22 because if she withdraws from him, it may give him reason to go to porn all the more. Unfortunately, it also seems to give women reason to "hate men" which leads them right into that extreme feminism.

I have a sweet 21 year daughter who is strong in the Lord and saving herself for marriage. She is fully aware how men blatantly look at her which goes to show that men have been so trained by pornography that they're always looking at women in a sexual frame of mind. Being she knows how prevalent and condoned porn is, she says she is content to never even date or marry because she would rather not risk being in a relationship since even Christian men struggle with porn.

Like me, she wonders the same thing I always did: why did God make men like this?? (Yes, I know it's not only a male struggle, especially nowadays.) Well, I really don't know what to tell her about why the inclination to porn is practically natural. All I know to say is that this world has corrupted His design.
...Does anyone have an answer as to why God created such strong sexual desires in men that deviance has become the norm in this world??

(I'm terribly sorry if I sound insensitive to the struggle with porn. But on the flip side of it are the women who dont know how to react to its presence [in their marriage], and all the hurt and anger that result. I have a son too so I do worry about all aspects of the destruction pornography exacts.)

 

[JoyJoyJoy]

Does anyone have an answer as to why God created such strong sexual desires in men that deviance has become the norm in this world??

Porn has been around a long time. I have read in the Roman/Greek Era, there were murals of people having all manner of relations, including animals. Orgies were common even included in *religious* activities.
Statues from Rome, Greece, Egypt depict men with enormous *members*.
Mythology is filled with unnatural sex.
Proverbs has many verses warning men of the dangers of adultery.
Solomon lost his kingdom because of his love for foreign wives and worshipping their gods.
The sexual desire is strong in (some) men and some women. Maybe so they can be fruitful and multiply. It also enhances intimacy between spouses.

What was given to us for good, the devil corrupted. Sex should be a priority for married couples (who have a sexual yearning) but in this busy society, it seems it has to be scheduled in, between kids activities and TV. Not to mention all those that spend time on their phones instead of time with their spouse!!! Sexual and spousal neglect is rampant, from both sexes. This leads to isolation and frustration and seeking *comfort* elsewhere, either physically or emotionally.

I think women commit sexual sin frequently also...maybe not as much with porn, but through reading books that are erotic and having fantasies.
I myself have gotten caught up in the fantasy of the perfect husband, marriage, etc...which is sinful because it was a (made up) man who was not my husband.
Men and women have to be strong in their walk with The Lord to avoid such pitfalls. Your daughter is a beautiful example. I think in America today, a 21 yr old virgin is not so common. I am happy for her!

Sister, do you think sexual sin may be the #1 sin among mankind?...maybe along with envy or covetousness??? It is a sin that can be wholly concealed in one's mind.
I didn't realize that Christian men struggled with it until a church mate spoke of it. That's why I think that Christian women should dress modestly (especially at church!! No tight, revealing dresses!!!). We should not present a stumbling block.
It's so hard in this fallen world!!
One day our minds will be free of corruption! Praise God!

 

[DelmaLeon]

When I was younger, the topic of pornography was one of the things that had caused me to question God because I just do not understand why He made men so inclined to lust, visual stimuli, and wanting to have sex with anyone, without love.

I appreciate hearing that it's a genuine and heart wrenching spiritual struggle because it is definitely one of the things that has put enmity between men and women. It's very easy for a wife to withdraw from her husband knowing his porn is more exciting than she could ever be. But it's a catch-22 because if she withdraws from him, it may give him reason to go to porn all the more. Unfortunately, it also seems to give women reason to "hate men" which leads them right into that extreme feminism.

I have a sweet 21 year daughter who is strong in the Lord and saving herself for marriage. She is fully aware how men blatantly look at her which goes to show that men have been so trained by pornography that they're always looking at women in a sexual frame of mind. Being she knows how prevalent and condoned porn is, she says she is content to never even date or marry because she would rather not risk being in a relationship since even Christian men struggle with porn.

Like me, she wonders the same thing I always did: why did God make men like this?? (Yes, I know it's not only a male struggle, especially nowadays.) Well, I really don't know what to tell her about why the inclination to porn is practically natural. All I know to say is that this world has corrupted His design.
...Does anyone have an answer as to why God created such strong sexual desires in men that deviance has become the norm in this world??

(I'm terribly sorry if I sound insensitive to the struggle with porn. But on the flip side of it are the women who dont know how to react to its presence [in their marriage], and all the hurt and anger that result. I have a son too so I do worry about all aspects of the destruction pornography exacts.)

God didn’t make men to have strong sexual desires that leads to pornography or other sexual sins. It’s man’s (meaning both men and women) corrupted nature. Now I’m this day and time we live in you are seeing more and more females struggling with pornography. Especially in the younger generations.
Now I agree with you that it drastically affects a marriage. It’s one of the most prevalent problems with in the church today. I encourage all wives to constantly lift your husband up in prayer. Pray for their protection spiritually. If you’re not married pray for your future husband. Our daughter is 11 and right now thinks boys are gross but we have taught her to pray for her future husband. We are teaching our 7 year old son to start praying for his future wife. They think it’s silly right now but it’s important. (I say all that not trying to be argumentative or anything. I understand why you would question why men are the way they are. Just remember not all men are like that)

 

[Anastacia]

God didn’t make men to have strong sexual desires that leads to pornography or other sexual sins. It’s man’s (meaning both men and women) corrupted nature. Now I’m this day and time we live in you are seeing more and more females struggling with pornography. Especially in the younger generations.
Now I agree with you that it drastically affects a marriage. It’s one of the most prevalent problems with in the church today. I encourage all wives to constantly lift your husband up in prayer. Pray for their protection spiritually. If you’re not married pray for your future husband. Our daughter is 11 and right now thinks boys are gross but we have taught her to pray for her future husband. We are teaching our 7 year old son to start praying for his future wife. They think it’s silly right now but it’s important. (I say all that not trying to be argumentative or anything. I understand why you would question why men are the way they are. Just remember not all men are like that)

I didnt mean to put anyone on the defense. Please reread my post. I was just wondering how to understand and explain to my daughter how sexuality has been corrupted to point we see today. And like Joy pointed out, there have been ancient civilizations that glorify unnatural sex acts.
Again, sorry to have offended anyone. It's all difficult to understand how what God designed has been so debased in this world. It seems to me that there are innate differences between men and women and their sexualities, and the enemy has exploited that. Very discouraging.

Again, sorry for anything insensitive I said. It's a difficult thing whether you're male or female. We're all affected by this.