Beyond Marriage: Battling Lust With Self-discipline

 

*_Beyond Marriage: Battling Lust with Self-Discipline_*

The battle against lust is a topic that has been a struggle for many throughout history. It is a topic often misunderstood, and sometimes even underestimated. We want to emphasize that marriage, while a beautiful institution ordained by God, does not serve as a magical cure for lust. Self-control remains a crucial requirement in our lives.

Matthew 5:28 records the words of Jesus: *"But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart."* Here, Jesus makes it clear that lust goes beyond mere physical actions; it resides in the heart.

Proverbs 6:25 further warns: *"Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids."* Lust is enticement, and it can be triggered by the visual, emotional, or mental stimulation that may occur within or outside of marriage.

Now, consider this: if marriage were a guaranteed remedy for lust, why do we still see cases of adultery and sexual sin among married individuals? Lust doesn't discriminate based on marital status. It cares little about whether you are Solomon in wisdom, David in praise, or Joshua in warfare. If you lack the discipline and self-control displayed by Joseph, you may find yourself on a path leading to destruction, much like Samson.

1 Corinthians 7:9 acknowledges the role of marriage but also recognizes the need for self-control within it: *"But if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion."* Marriage can provide a legitimate outlet for sexual desires, but it does not eliminate the requirement for self-discipline.

Our goal is not to diminish the sanctity of marriage but rather to emphasize the importance of self-control in all aspects of life, especially in our battle against lust. Whether single or married, we must seek God's help in guarding our hearts and minds against impure thoughts and actions.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 reminds us of God's will in this matter: *"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God."* God desires our sanctification, and self-control plays a significant role in achieving it.

Let us understand that while marriage is a wonderful gift from God, it does not exempt us from the need for self-control and discipline in our lives. Lust is a formidable adversary, but through prayer, seeking God's Word, and relying on His strength, we can overcome it daily. May we strive to be like Joseph, exercising self-discipline and guarding our hearts against the destructive power of lust.