Resisting the flesh

[Wally]

I think we often err when the tolerance word is used. Even Lot was vexed about the conduct of his neighbors. But God found him righteous, even in his apparent damaged state - what father would offer daughters to reprobates.

And never be tollerant of lies. Sin is Sin. We struggle with it all the time. Continue to struggle with it and seek Christ's Victory. Don't be afraid to call something like homosexuality sin, but include lust, greed, hate. All have sinned, and add that you were unsaved at one time too. The great news it that there is help and a cure.

You do not have to tolerate stuff, but you do need to respond in a godly- compassionate way. This takes talent, experience, and prayer.

Sometimes the people don't care, so don't cast your pearls.

Sometimes they don't know, they need an example.

Sometimes they need to be encouraged to think: what am I saying with my conduct or dress? Do I really want to attract that kind of person? What is God's opnion of me - sad that I'm being careless?

It isn't easy sometimes, but a soul is worth it. Ask God for wisdom.

[AlPal]

Yea. My advice was terrible. Seek God about it, and give the problem up to Him. For your end of the bargain, just try not to look, and if you do, try to replace any bad thoughts with anything harmless that you can.

[Chula]

Seek God about it, and give the problem up to Him. For your end of the bargain, just try not to look, and if you do, try to replace any bad thoughts with anything harmless that you can.[/QUOTE]



This is indeed good advice.
The Lord knows the situation and He knows your HEART and INTENTIONS as well.
By dwelling on the thoughts you are actually giving the devil fuel for the fire so to speak.
Just realize that everyday you are out and about in the world whether it's going to the store or stopping at a gas station, you are going to be in the presence of women. It doesn't take a scantilly dressed woman to stir most of our vivid imaginations.
Pray about it and go on with your delivery duties and pray.
If you really wanted to, you could buy a shawl or covering and next time she comes to get the meal from you politely hand it to her and suggest she cover herself when coming to meet you. But I'd only do that as a last resort. It might not go over too well.

[No2Flesh]

Thanks Brothers.

I took the girls to the lake to swim yesterday.
They had a blast of course but the temptations are everywhere.
Other women in bikinis..

With Gods help I have determined BEFOREHAND how to respond. Although I cant help but see them sometimes, thats no sin imo...its the really looking hard and lusting thats sinful.
It was easier this time to not do that.
Determine how you will react to a temptation before they arrive,
He seems to have taught me.
(im slow)

PS: A family pulled up next to us with 7 boys. The boys put 2 bicycle ramps up about 15' apart. The biggest boy tried to jump from ramp to ramp but came up short. He wiped out real good and slid 10' on his face. OUCH.
It was funny though..he was ok.

[Byrd]

Man, I can empathize with you...I live & work in a major college town, that is very liberal...which means thousands of scantially clad co-eds. They are everywhere, and I used to battle that until I finally decided;

They all look alike...blonde hair, perfect [exposed] bodies

I can't and don't want to have them.

I don't want those thoughts in my head.

When I finally came to that conclusion, the battle was over, and now it is no big deal, I just ignore them, or when I see one, I just tell my mind to shut up, I don't want to hear it.

I decided being a man of God and a faithful husband were more important than stolen glances and impure thoughts. It is literally a process of traing yourself to think differently.

When you think about what I just said, they all look alike, so it is no big deal. Work on it take your thought's captive.

[Believer417]

I admit I skipped over some of the posts here but here is my opinion. Avoiding her if possible is OK. But the fact of the matter is until we change our hearts and hate the sin we will never have victory. We can avoid beaches and scantily clad women....we can put up all kind of fences. No matter what we do it wont be good enough. It may help a bit but only Jesus will change us. Prime example personally....I have been struggling with Porn the past year since being divorced. So I put Net Nanny on my computer and had a friend set the password. What did I do? I found a way around it on the internet! Because if you long for something bad enough you will find a way to get it! So why not long for holiness!!! So I realized its my heart that needs changed and only...yes ONLY JESUS can do that. Look to Him who has already received the victory for you!!! Have an accountability partner. Talk to her about Jesus. Imagine she is your daughter!! That one will get you everytime. But again I stress place your faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work! Praying for you all!!!!

Bill

[No2Flesh]

I decided being a man of God and a faithful husband were more important than stolen glances and impure thoughts. It is literally a process of training yourself to think differently.
.

Amen Brother. Thats it in a nutshell.

Also for those of us married it must hurt our wives feelings when they catch us looking. This ought not to be.

As for me and my eyes we are going to serve The Lord.

[No2Flesh]

I admit I skipped over some of the posts here but here is my opinion. Avoiding her if possible is OK. But the fact of the matter is until we change our hearts and hate the sin we will never have victory. We can avoid beaches and scantily clad women....we can put up all kind of fences. No matter what we do it wont be good enough. It may help a bit but only Jesus will change us. Prime example personally....I have been struggling with Porn the past year since being divorced. So I put Net Nanny on my computer and had a friend set the password. What did I do? I found a way around it on the internet! Because if you long for something bad enough you will find a way to get it! So why not long for holiness!!! So I realized its my heart that needs changed and only...yes ONLY JESUS can do that. Look to Him who has already received the victory for you!!! Have an accountability partner. Talk to her about Jesus. Imagine she is your daughter!! That one will get you everytime. But again I stress place your faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work! Praying for you all!!!!

Bill

Great advice Bill.

For years I had a problem with Internet porn too.
Its just too easy online. That problem also fed lusting for women in real life
whenever I saw them.

Porn and ogling..adultery of the heart.

If something doesnt please God I no longer want it in my life.
Anything that comes between us is the enemy.
Glory to Him, who did this.
Left to my own devices Im a selfish sinful bum.

[ByHisGrace]

Hi, I'm no man but a married woman who can say: Yes! It's hurtful when us wives catch our husbands looking elsewhere. I'm blessed to have a husband who makes a HUGE effort to look away. Summer time is tough time for Christian males, I know. But I want to say how impressed I am with you men for taking such a stand against lust. It's proof of the HolySpirit working in your lives and heart. Praise God!

Quickly I want to post a story I heard from a Christian man on the radio. This man was having a tough time with lust and was feeling pretty disgusted with himself. So he really cried out to God and he felt God led him to a Bible verse (sorry I wish I knew which one!!) He prayed and meditated on this verse for about two weeks and then something changed in him. Soon after he was at a community pool with his wife and daughters when two blonde Barbie dolls came walking out to the pool in their swimsuits....but you know what his first thought was? Do they know how much God loves them? Do they know how much their father or husbands loves them? He felt sad for them. So I hope that helps someone!

[Just Ron]

Thanks ByHisGrace for that story! God can change men's lives and use their lives for His glory!