Sexual Purity: Part 2

An old Amish proverb states, “A small leak will sink a large ship.”
I have witnessed this first-hand through the years with both men and women: a quick thought that soon develops into a fantasy, or even a full-blown adulterous affair. -an entitlement attitude that says, “I deserve a this. -things we allow ourselves to watch on TV or to read in a novel. All of these things can be that small leak that breaks up a family or even brings down a great ministry.
In part one we discussed ways we can stop the leak. This week we conclude, starting with number 4. Did you miss the first post in this series? You can read it here.
4. Fill your mind with good stuff
It has been said that the greatest sex organ is the mind. The mind is the eye gate to the soul. We have a choice as to what we allow our mind to dwell on. How many times have we said, “I changed my mind!” We must be responsible to change our mind when our thoughts want to go where they should not go. Here is what we are to change our mind to: “Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things .” (Phil. 4:8 AMPC)
5. Make a List

Identify who it would affect the most if you were caught. Begin with your spouse, then name your children, people under your influence as a Christian leader, etc. When you are tempted, read that list to yourself and picture the people on that list.
Make another list of the 10 most influential people in your community that need to know Christ. When you are tempted, begin to pray for every person on that list for salvation. This is a great way to “change your mind!” After awhile, whenever Satan tries to tempt you, and all you do is pray for the salvation of people, he won’t think it is so much fun to tempt you!

1. Count the Cost
   According to Kassia Wosick, assistant professor of sociology at New Mexico State University, globally, porn is a $97 billion industry. That money comes generally from men and women who are addicted to porn. I have known great leaders who allowed a little hole in their “ship” to grow until they became financially ruined. Is it really worth it?
2. Protect yourself and your family.
   Do you have guards on your electronic devices and television so your children are not “stumbling” onto sites that are inappropriate. Do you have family rules for the use of electronic devices? Do you pray and read the scriptures as a family, filling your minds with the goodness of God? My prayer for all of us is this: May the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, our rock and our redeemer. Amen! (Psalm 19:14)