Pope Benedict XVI by Sergio A.

As everybody has heard the pope Benedict XVI resigned from the position as head of the Catholic Church. Not only was the announcement of news to the Catholic’s but also to the world. Pope Benedict XVI is said to have broken six centuries of tradition upon his resignation. So it’s understandable to see why it’s been such a big deal. A lot of people have been asking the question: Why didn’t the pope remain as head of the church until the time of his departing? I’ve certainly pondered this question as well. Some of the things that come to mind are cover ups such as same sex scandals and child abuse. These scandals and many more not mentioned have caused many to flee from religion; most importantly from God. Therefore, it seems that the enemy is not just interested in attacking the Christian community, but is against anyone or anything that stands for God.

Sex (outside of marriage-or with a different partner other than spouse/husband) combined with lust has been some of the biggest contributors affecting the church today. Like the Catholic Church, Christianity has also suffered by seeing great leaders fall to sexual immorality. Sexual perversion at least includes pornography, oral sex, prostitution, lust, thoughts, intimacy, homosexuality, incest and everything else that stains purity as God sees it. So what are we to do as Christians in order to protect ourselves and those that we love from falling into the snare of the enemy? Should Christians stay at home and triple lock their doors? Should we ignore the topic and pretend that everything is ok? Well, no. We must be mindful that anyone can become a slave to sexual desires. As I hinted before, the Catholic Church is not the only church that is being attacked. So what should we do? Which master will we serve and love (sexual lust or God)? We can’t do both.

“Men that you recognize are rushing the opposite direction—spears aligned, ready to throw. Swords sharpened, shields fixed, helmets lowered they’re ready for battle. They’re calling for you to join them. They’re rushing for the front lines—they’re unafraid. They know they’ve been given victory. But not you. You’ve got your pants down around your ankles. You’re roaming in circles looking for the seductress that’s calling you by name. You can’t wait to fornicate on the battlefield.”[1]

These are some helpful tips to avoid sexual impurity:

1.      IDENTIFY YOUR CURRENT CONDITION.

2.      MEDITATE ON CHRIST AND HIS WORK.

3.      PRAY TO GOD FOR THE GRACE YOU NEED.

4.      REPENT OF ALL KNOWN SINS. 

5.      RETURN TO CHRIST IN FRESH DEPENDENCY. 

6.      Guard your heart and those whom you love

7.      train your mind to think praiseworthy (phil. 4:8-9)

8.      don’t watch things that will bring temptation

9.      remove yourself from situations of temptation

10. be part of an accountability group (prov. 4:23)

 

A person, who rejoices in God, will find beauty and contentment which will override impure sexual behaviors. He is less inclined to fall. Remember that the Bible commands that we flee from immorality (1 Cor. 6:18; Eph. 5:3Col. 3:5). Also Jesus “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery’; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell” (Matt.5:25-27). As Christians we know that God has set us apart for His glory. Therefore, we are to be holy as He is holy. Though we are in the world we are not of the world and we have to keep that in mind. We must walk in step with the Holy Spirit and rely on His strength in order to overcome evil. If somebody within our churches fall to sexual immorality before condemning them we must help them in their restoration. Don’t be that church that only knows how to condemn but not restore.

Sergio A.

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[1] http://theresurgence.com/2011/11/30/fornicating-on-the-battlefield