I think that there is another aspect to our struggle with sin which, I feel, should be brought more to the surface.
In one sense, I agree with Selwyn that we should not rely on our abilities to fight our passions. It’s vital that we seek God’s power to deal successfully with these issues. As Selwyn says: “When you no longer fight your passions but surrender them to God then your attention is drawn from them to Him. You are focusing on Him – not your ‘smoldering sexuality’.”
However, while we should surrender our being to God so that He can deal with thoughts or habits which are not pleasing to Him – we can do some things to help. If there are certain environments which may be more dangerous than others – for example, if it’s our practice to go out drinking every Friday night – and, as the night proceeds our blood alcohol goes up and our defences drop and seduction says ‘Hi’. Your smoldering sexuality’ can quickly turn into a raging fire when alcohol is thrown into the mix. An initial first step, could be to drop the habit of going out on a Friday night – break the routine – do something else; if this step is covered in prayer – I think you could be amazed at how successful this type of simple strategy can be.
A good saying that has stood the test of time for me, is ‘God will steer you once you start moving’, a ship’s rudder does not do a lot while the ship is tired up at a wharf.
What’s your view on this difficult issue?
Don’t fight – surrender
I think that there is another aspect to our struggle with sin which, I feel, should be brought more to the surface.
In one sense, I agree with Selwyn that we should not rely on our abilities to fight our passions. It’s vital that we seek God’s power to deal successfully with these issues. As Selwyn says: “When you no longer fight your passions but surrender them to God then your attention is drawn from them to Him. You are focusing on Him – not your ‘smoldering sexuality’.”
However, while we should surrender our being to God so that He can deal with thoughts or habits which are not pleasing to Him – we can do some things to help. If there are certain environments which may be more dangerous than others – for example, if it’s our practice to go out drinking every Friday night – and, as the night proceeds our blood alcohol goes up and our defences drop and seduction says ‘Hi’. Your smoldering sexuality’ can quickly turn into a raging fire when alcohol is thrown into the mix. An initial first step, could be to drop the habit of going out on a Friday night – break the routine – do something else; if this step is covered in prayer – I think you could be amazed at how successful this type of simple strategy can be.
A good saying that has stood the test of time for me, is ‘God will steer you once you start moving’, a ship’s rudder does not do a lot while the ship is tired up at a wharf.
What’s your view on this difficult issue?