Advice needed on maintaining sexual integrity?

Question

Hi, everyone. Currently we live in a society bombarded or saturated with sexual or sensual images, videos. It is pretty much everywhere, whether it be from magazines (Playboy, Penthouse), TV (Desperate Housewives, MTV, VH1, Lingerie commercials), culture in which maintaining virginity is not considered essential or important.
I think Christian men and women are living in challenging times in terms of sexual morality. The temptation is everywhere. In addition to media, you see girls wearing skimpy dress with low-cut shirt on the street and I can't say I don't feel tempted.
I started reading a book "Every Man's Battle" which is about how to maintain sexual integrity and I have learned a lot so far. It has been enlightening to read it as a person who struggles with lust problems.
I want to hear from u guys. Can u offer me insights on how to maintain sexual integrity at challenging times like today's?

Answer 1

The Watchtower and Awake! are the first and second most widely circulated religious magazines in the world.

They are available from Jehovah's Witnesses at no charge. A selection of articles is available at their official website:

http://watchtower.org/archives/index.htm#young_people

Answer 2

The Bible says to flee sexual immorality. You talk about magazines and TV shows that I make it a point to avoid. I set my mind on things above and plan ahead so that I don't play around the edges of the pit of sexual sin. In that book you have I believe they mention things like "bouncing your eyes" when unexpected temptations come your way. When I'm driving down the street or something and I happen to glance at a woman who is wearing a low cut top or a short skirt I just do what it says in 2 Cor 10:5 and take any lustful thought captive and turn my attention elsewhere.

Remind yourself of verses like these and remember that God is for you being an overcomer of temptation, He doesn't condemn you when you don't do as good as you think you could have.

1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

Job 31:1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Answer 3

There is real truth in the old saying: garbage-in, garbage-out.

It goes back to priorities too. Sexual desire is a fundamental desire, like hunger and sleep -- but you can suspend those to focus on other things so why not sex?

It's about discipline which isn't exercised much in Western society -- BIG generalization, I know -- but it's true.

Answer 4

You can find a few guys whom you consider to be good examples, & ask them...after some time praying about it, if you can hold yourself sexually accountable to them.
If you get all negative responses, then try changing your approach. Instead of asking to be sexually accountable, simply ask if you can hold yourself accountable.
Many men tend to confuse sex, love & intimacy. I commend your efforts to keep yourself righteous.
In the meantime, develop some healthy means of getting your needs met without confusing needs with wants. Man need intimacy; they want sex.

Answer 5

I live & act with as much integrity as I can: the people around me catch on fairly quickly that I'm not into pre-marrital sex (I am a virgin, & proud of it!), & because I never "say one thing & do another," people take me seriously & leave me alone.

Best advice I have: pray. It has been working for me for years, & I don't think it'll ever stop working.

Peace! & God Bless!!!

Answer 6

Joshua Harris wrote "Why I kissed dating goodbye". In it he basically says that if you devote yourself to searching for ways to serve God then you will also find someone who is trying to serve God. You will both be a better match for each other.

I also heard some one say recently that since the church is the bride of Christ, sexual impurity is committing adultery with that which belongs to Christ. Maybe if you think of it in terms of cheating with the bride of Christ, that will help.

PRAY PRAY PRAY

Answer 7

Reduce the influences. Seek Him with all your heart, mind and spirit.

Be not led into temptation. Only you can allow evil to enter. Don't be too hard on yourself if it happens, seek Him and He will forgive and set you on the right course. Give in no further.

Answer 8

for the love of god, if it wasnt for lust nobody would be here!! it's normal, just try some introspection and decide for yourself what's an immoral action and don't do it. you have no control over what other people do, just yourself.

Answer 9

If Christianity was as obsessed with peace and kindness as it is with sex, the world would be a far better place.

And don't try to take away my Victoria's Secret commercials ... they're a gift from God.

Answer 10

Find someone you can be open with this temptation and share with them. Also memorize verse so when you are being tempting you can recall them.