Stop Fighting Lust…

I’m not sure who is the original author of this piece. I’ve seen it posted by two different people on both facebook and Instagram.

The headline caught my attention when it announced “Stop fighting lust–” What? I thought. But then the second part of the title offered a fuller explanation.

Stop Fighting Lust—RUN from It!

The author opines “that out of all sins, lust is the only one God tells us not to fight, but to flee from.”

A quick check of my Bible program revealed that we’re also commanded to “flee from idolatry” (1 Cor. 10:14). However, ancient idiolatry was often connected to sexual immorality.

To the Corinthian brethren Paul commanded, “Flee sexual immorality” (1 Cor. 6:18). Also he instructed Timothy to “flee youthful lusts” (2 Tim. 2:22). Also he told Timothy to “flee” from “foolish and harmful lusts” that result from greed and an inordinate love of money. But the author’s point is well taken, “Lust is powerful, deceitful, and can grip even the strongest among us,” so running from it is a good strategy.

“So how do you break free?”

The writer offered five ways to “defeat lusts and protect your spirit.” Here they are with a few additional comments.

1. Guard Your Eyes and Mind.

What we see, we can crave. Be careful what you allow in.

Psalm 101:3 says, “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.” Control what you watch, and you’ll find more control over your thoughts.

In my early days of preaching this warning centered more on TV and movies. Today, we have the scourge of the internet and easily accessible filth on our iPhones.

2. Lean on Scripture

Jesus fought off temptation with the Word of God (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus set Satan to flight with a simple three word retort–”It is written.”

Arm yourself with verses like James 4:7, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” Every time lust tries to creep in, speak truth over the lie.

3. Create Accountability.

Share your struggle with someone who will lift you up and pray with you. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one… if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

Furthermore Galatians 6:2 reminds us to “bear one another’s burdens.” One cannot bear your burden, if they don’t know what it is.

Patterned after the 12 step program of AA, there are also groups one can join to help conquer such sinful addictions.

4. Build Your Prayer Life.

Lust cannot coexist with a heart fully turned to God. Pray for strength, courage, and purity. Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us to present our requests to God, and His peace will guard our hearts.

God hears and will answer the fervent prayer of His righteous people (Jas. 5:16).

5. Flee and Replace.

When tempted, remove yourself from the environment. Replace lustful thoughts with positive, life-giving ones.

As a counter to impure thoughts apply Philippians 4:8. Think on things that are true. Honorable. Just. Pure. Lovely. Commendable. Excellent. And praiseworthy. Everything that precipitates and is associated with lust is the exact opposite of that exhortation.

“Lust is not a battle you were meant to fight alone. Run from it. Strengthen yourself with God’s Word, community, and His Spirit.”
Finally, we can learn a great lesson from the Patriarch Joseph. After refusing and resisting her advances, when Mrs. Potiphar sought to seduce him, Joseph didn’t linger to reason with her, seek to soothe her feelings, or even consider her proposition, he ran.

Sometimes it’s better to run instead of staying to fight.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman