Getting Hooked

Far be it from me to be so sensationalistic as to use graphic images when trying to communicate with men who struggle with sexual sin and pornography … but this time I could not resist. (Some of you may catch the irony in that statement and the pun in this one.)

Something about this picture really gets to me. The pain of the hook through the lip and being pulled taut. The sadness in his eyes along with a hopeless look. It is actually from an anti-smoking advertisement in the UK. But it works for me symbolizing guys hooked on pornography and masturbation.

James 1 teaches us that in the process of temptation the following steps happen …

1st – we are lured away by our own evil desires 2nd – we are enticed by something that arouses our desires further 3rd – we are brought to the point of deciding that we are going to sin 4th – we take the action and commit the sin

The 5th step in the process is described by the words “… and sin, when it is full-grown…” This is when sin has become mature. We do steps 1-4 over and over again. It has grown past the infant stage and has become a mature and developed part of your behavior. This word “full-grown” has the idea of something that has run it’s intended course and has achieved it’s end.

If we think the goal of sin is to give us pleasure we are blinded to the truth. Sin offers pleasure and may even give some for a moment. However, it’s intent … it’s goal is to destroy you.

Simply put – God offers life. Sin delivers death. Jesus came that we might have life and have it abundantly. Sin promised pleasure dripping from a hook that will drag you away from God and into isolation, darkness, shame, brokenness and eventually death. I know the pain of living the secret life. I know the self loathing and fear. I had a plan to even take my own life if my sin were found out. That is what sin has for us when it is full grown.

Perhaps a prayer like this will help you. “Abba Father, today I want to choose life over death. I want to walk in obedience and not in sin. I want the Spirit to fill me and I want to walk in the Spirit so I do not fulfill the desires of the flesh. Please strengthen my in my inner man and help me recognize when I am being lured away even before I am enticed. I give myself to you today and ask you to take control of my life. Amen”

One hour at a time – till I can make it one day at a time.

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