The Church
In the church there isn’t a lot of conversation around lust, pornography and masturbation. It’s one of those awkward topics but it's something that many men and women struggle with. This is definitely something that’s not easy for me to talk about either, but it needs to be.
My Journey
My story is similar to many. I know the details change but the struggle was and is the same. I was introduced to pornography around the age of 15 years old. I didn’t think much of it at the time; it was an exciting new world in which I used as my basis for learning about the world and sexuality.
At 15, I had no idea that the small door that I opened would release a beast that grew and grew into the monster I had to slay when I was an adult. It’s important to say that our sex drive isn’t evil - it has been given to us by Father God. But God has designed our sex life to be holy, an extension of worship between a man and a woman.
There were many things that opening that door affected, but I didn’t realise these effects until I was a lot older and the beast was a lot bigger. So what changed? How did I get to the point today where I am free and becoming more free every day?
The Throne Room
In my last article I talked about our relationship with Father God and how it’s important for us to step past the door of Jesus and into the throne room of Father God. In this throne room and using a tool called sozo is where I found my freedom.
I went back to the point in which I was first introduced to pornogaphy and lust and forgave those people who introduced this to me, and I also forgave myself for opening this door. Led by the person praying with me, I gave my body permission to release the trauma I had caused it and asked the Holy Spirit to replace that gap with childlike purity.
I also broke off soul ties. Soul ties are spiritual connections we have with people - in this case anyone I had been sexual with including any images or thoughts. By the power of the Holy Spirit, this gave back to them any part of them I had and I took back from them any part they had of me.
Staying Free
There are many ways we can fall into the trap of lust, pornography and masturbation. Here are a three ways I have found helpful in my journey.
“Bouncing your eyes” - There are many beautiful people in the world whether you see them on the television, driving down the road, at work or school. It’s important to bounce your eyes. This means when you see someone that catches your eye, don’t keep looking or take a second look. Bouncing your eyes away will help you keep your mind pure.
“Wearing your armour” - It’s important as believers that we wear our armour, as found in Ephesians chapter 6, verse 10-20. I find that in our battle for purity, two of the most important aspects of the armour to wear is the helmet of salvation protecting our thoughts; and the shield of faith with which we can use to stop all attacks against us. Make an effort to put this on every morning.
“Staying connected to the Godhead” - In the past I have found that I am attacked and tempted the most when I haven’t spent time with Father God. Create a time in your day to spend some quality time with Him.
If lust, pornography or masturbation is something you struggle with, I suggest checking out the link below and visiting a Sozo team near you so they can pray with you to find freedom, and then practice daily bouncing your eyes, wearing your armor and staying connected to the Godhead.
Barry Kirby is a disciple of Jesus Christ, living in relationship with Father God, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Barry is with the Salvation Army based in Wellington, New Zealand.
Bethel Sozo New Zelaand - https://www.bethelsozonewzealand.com/