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PraisingHeart
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Posted: Wed Mar 22nd, 2006 06:23 pm |
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During the past few months I have started hearing more and more references to lust during sermons, with emphasis on internet porn. I am getting a strong impression that ministers (at least in my area) are starting to realize that a large number of men are seriously in trouble with this.
The pastor where I attend church was addressing this issue about 2 months ago. He made a statement that made me sit up and say "wow" because I was so impressed with his honesty. He said "As a man, I will always struggle with lust, as will every man here, but it is my love for God, and my wife, that keeps me from starting down the wrong path." After the stats I saw here concerning Christian men and porn viewing, I was not surprised to see some uncomfortable faces.
Ever since I heard the pastor's statement, I have not been able to get this question out of my mind...
Why do men have such a struggle with sexual lust? Why isn't it some other sin like laziness, pride, gluttony, etc? Why is lust the biggie that causes such awful temptation for nearly *all* men?
I will appreciate opinions on this, but if someone out there knows the true answer to this question, I would dearly love to have it.
Thanks,
Praising Heart
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It is impossible for seeds of depression to take root in a greatful heart. - The Traveler's Gift-
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zech122
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Posted: Thu Mar 23rd, 2006 01:39 pm |
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PraisingHeart wrote: Why do men have such a struggle with sexual lust? Why isn't it some other sin like laziness, pride, gluttony, etc? Why is lust the biggie that causes such awful temptation for nearly *all* men?
I asked my husband this question after I got home from work last evening. His first response was because most men are visual. I was pretty much thinking the same thing, but added that Satan knows that men are visual and well tempt them any way that he can. We are also told in the Bible not to cause another man to stumble. If you look at the way that most women (including some Christian women) dress, they are causing others to stumble in this area of lust. I try to dress modestly. If I wear a dress I want the lenght to be down between my knees and ankles, I'm uncomfortable if it is shorter than that. Shirt, blouses, must have a high neckline. I have heard it said that modesty can be very attractive. My body is for no one other than my husband to see, with the exception of for medical reasons, but as far as how I dress I should be covered, and not causing anyone else to stumble. If we are dressed modestly and someone would still lust, we at least have done what we could to try and stop it. We can't control other's thoughts.
zech122
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PraisingHeart
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Posted: Thu Mar 23rd, 2006 06:26 pm |
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Thanks for responding! Yes, it makes sense that men having such strong visual tendencies would/could cause lust problems. I guess really what I was trying to ask in my original post was *why* were men made to be so visual? I realize this is something maybe only God knows, but I'm one that seeks understanding on this issue almost down to the cellular level (lol)
I agree with your statements concerning modesty. I had never thought about it that way, but it makes total sense. I have always been modest by nature, and I don’t think I’ve ever dressed in a way that would cause a man to stumble. Unfortunately, given what we see today, it’s painfully obvious there are *plenty* of women who could care less, and actually relish the attention of stumbling men.
Kindest Regards,
Praising Heart
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It is impossible for seeds of depression to take root in a greatful heart. - The Traveler's Gift-
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PraisingHeart
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Posted: Thu Mar 23rd, 2006 06:26 pm |
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Last edited on Thu Mar 23rd, 2006 06:34 pm by PraisingHeart
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RTK
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Posted: Fri Mar 24th, 2006 01:17 am |
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Why do men have such a struggle with sexual lust
Our Creator gave guys a testosterone sex drive. Without it, I don't think our population would be what it is today. This sex drive can be a good or bad thing depending on the context of which it is viewed.
WIthin men, the struggle with sexual lust happens for lots of reasons. The first thing that comes to my mind is that a guy can't keep his sex drive under control, which in turns leads to lustful thoughts...and then it usually leads to carnal acts.
A man's inability to keep it in control could be due to lots of reasons, i.e., seeing women dressed immodestly, magazine covers, t.v. ads, etc. However, a key issue here is the guys relationship with the Lord. What is a man's spiritual act of worship? Romans 12:1,2
RTK
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captivated
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Posted: Fri Mar 24th, 2006 03:00 am |
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Yes, that's so good!....and true! Consider also that God gave men this visual "ability" to be aroused for a pure and good reason....to gaze upon and bond to the body of their wife! REALLY! I even read about a case where some young guys scribbled out the legs on the models in the magazines they looked at and then were attracted to amputees!!! Go figure! It was created to keep a couple closer, it's Satan who distorts it and makes it lustful and harmful to marriages! This is why a man who's actively looking at the stuff does not "bond" with his wife well, because he's sought it in the pictures, which never satisfy the way a wife does in relational, spiritual and physical intimacy. They seek to find something to fill this void within and also the sexual lusts they're feeling and seek it in something which brings temporary satisfaction, but rapidly brings, despair, anger, hopelessness, etc..... Exchanging the truth of God for a lie always brings death! Does this make sense to you? What do you think RTK?....since I'm a woman. 
captivated
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PraisingHeart
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Posted: Fri Mar 24th, 2006 07:18 pm |
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Thanks to all, your responses have made sense and helped me understand this issue much better. I heard that 25% of women are just as visual as men. I fall into that percentage, but while I may look at a man and think he's good looking, that's as far as it goes, I can honestly say I don't experience lust along with it. Maybe that's why I couldn't understand why men struggle so.
Even though I feel strongly that everyone is completely responsible for their actions, there is a part of me that feels sorry that a lot of men have the strong temptation of lust to constantly deal with.
Thanks again,
Praising Heart
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It is impossible for seeds of depression to take root in a greatful heart. - The Traveler's Gift-
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Son Worshiper
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Posted: Wed May 17th, 2006 02:47 am |
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I don't know if my personal struggle with lust is visual or not.
Perhaps.
I don't believe all men (or as large a percentage of men as some polls say) are as lustful as we are led to believe. I see lust as one of many "thorns in the flesh" some of us, male and female have to deal with on our journey through life and our walk with the Lord. While lust is a big thorn in my flesh, it may not necessarily be so with my brother or sister. Perhaps their thorn is gambling, smoking, or some other thing that I am not so conflicted by.
My battles are never easy, and often painful (mentally....feelings of guilt, shame, depression). But the Apostle Paul thanked God for his particular thorn, as it helped increase his faith and perseverance. These "thorns" in their various guises keep us humble. I know, in the past, when I've been filled with the spirit and been tempted to puff up with pride, my thorn (addiction to porn and lustful thoughts) gives me a poke in the side and reminds me that I'm not perfect and am yet a work in progress (not finished until the Lord calls me home).
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PraisingHeart
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Posted: Fri May 19th, 2006 05:50 pm |
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You made some interesting points Son Worshiper, thanks for the input!
Praising Heart
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It is impossible for seeds of depression to take root in a greatful heart. - The Traveler's Gift-
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