According to Frederick Buechner, "Lust is the ape that gibbers in our loins. Tame him as we will day-by-day, he rages all the wilder and our dreams by night. Just when we think we're safe from him, he raises up his ugly head and smirks, and there's no river in the world flows cold and strong enough to strike him down. Almighty God, why dost though deck men out with such a loathesome toy?"
Sex is good. It was created by God. But it was created for a man and woman commit to each another for life. In this format (one flesh, as God created it to be), "... sex increases a sense of intimacy and intensifies feelings of safety and acceptance." (Tolson)
Lust, on the other hand, can ruin a life. It does for thousands upon thousands.
"Because sex is such a dominant desire, it has been known to nullify the logic center of the brain... Men and women have lost jobs, reputations and marriages for the sake of a fleeting sexual high." (The Four Priorities, 2012)
No one is immune and anyone can succumb. As Paul said to the Corinthians, "If you think you're standing firm be careful that you don't fall" (1 Corinthians 10:12)
So what to do?
1. Admit your vulnerability and be aware of it.
2. Guard your marriage bed by continuing to court your mate.
3. Guard your thoughts. They are just the beginning.
4. Recruit brothers and sisters in Christ to keep you accountable. In case it's not obvious, men should find male accountability partners, and vice versa.
The fight is real. Admit it, equip yourself, and be ready for the fight when (not if) it comes.
(Based on content from John Tolson's, The Four Priorities)
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