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How to Fight Well in the War against Porn

How to Fight Well in the War against Porn
by: Ray Ortlund
Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.—Prov. 4:23

Guard Your Heart from Lustful Thoughts

Many people believe they’ll flourish from the outside in, but we believe we flourish from the inside out. We believe the great things in life come not from our outward advantages but from our inward resources. Which means that, however bad this world gets, with the risen Jesus living within you, you can always have something positive to offer everyone you meet.His new world of nobility doesn’t need you to look impressive. You are impressive. You just are. Don’t worry about that. Concentrate instead on guarding your heart deep inside. Protect “with all vigilance” a clear conscience before the Lord. Remind yourself— even announce to yourself every day—that he rejoices over you. Whatever insanity is going on around you, his “springs of life” can flow within you and from you to refresh others.A historian friend of mine—Dr. John Woodbridge—told me this true story about the great evangelist Billy Graham: In 1976 Jimmy Carter was running for the presidency. Playboy magazine interviewed him during the campaign. At one point in the interview, Carter admitted, “I’ve looked on a lot of women with lust. I’ve committed adultery in my heart many times.” That doesn’t surprise us today, but it made national news then.Not long after, Billy Graham was on the phone with my friend John. Among other things, they discussed the Carter interview. Billy explained how disappointed he was that a prominent Christian man would have to admit that. Billy wasn’t naive, nor was he dumping on Carter. But he had set such a high standard for what he allowed into his own thought world that he was grieved for Carter. No wonder Billy Graham’s ministry flowed with “the springs of life” for so many people!Son, by God’s grace, you can guard your heart with that same vigilance—in two ways.One, you can guard your heart from lustful thoughts. Remember the high standard Jesus gave us? “Everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matt. 5:28). We have no right to say back to our King: “No. That’s impossible. You’re asking too much of me.” His commands are not impossibilities—not with his help. Nor are his commands a menu of options we can choose from. His commands are his total integrity entering into us by his grace, making us whole.Let’s always say to him, “Lord, help me to obey you, right now, at a deeper level.” And let’s support one another as we fight for our integrity. But let’s never make room for sin—even in our thoughts. The gospel calls us to live lives “fully pleasing to him” (Col. 1:10). That isn’t sinless perfection. But it is total openness. It’s what love for Jesus looks like. He loves us, and we love him back by giving him access to all that we are. And we never tell him to look away or back off or get out. We can face the worst within us, because he is our King of grace.So the instant a lustful thought springs into our minds, let’s refuse the temptation. And let’s cry out to the Lord, “Help me!” He’s always there. The Bible says of Job not that he was never tempted by evil but that he “turned away from evil” (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3). And the Bible calls that “integrity” (Job 2:9). It’s like this. You can’t stop birds from flying over your head, but you can stop them from making nests in your hair. That is what “guarding your heart” looks like. It’s how “the springs of life” stay fresh and full within.
Read More – Go to Source Author: Ray OrtlundThe post How to Fight Well in the War against Porn first appeared on Koa Sinag.Need a prayer? Prayer RequestsPlease subscribe to our main Ministries daily scripture study – Koa Sinag MinistriesHave a Testimony of how God has changed or intervened in your life? Tell us your story! Give God Praise!Need some inspiration? Check out others Testimonies!Have you checked out our online store? We have a tonne of fascinating and colourful PDF books, toys, kids’ apparel, and much more, including complimentary PDFs for home schoolers!

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