Is it possible to control my thoughts and desires? Martin Luther once said, “I can’t stop the birds from flying over my head, but I can keep them from building a nest in my hair!” We cannot stop temptation from coming to us yet by grace we are given the power to choose those things that will occupy our minds and determine our moral choices. We can end the tempting desire or thought before it becomes sin.

Possibly the best way to overcome these things is to avoid temptation as much as possible. That is, stay away from those acquaintances that encourage you wrongly; don’t be alone with anyone to whom you are sexually attracted; throw out tempting magazines and books. Many young people pray, “Change my thoughts,” but then they refuse to remove pornographic materials from their homes or remove themselves from compromising situations. “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart: (2 Timothy 2:22) Notice that Paul did not say to fight this temptation but to flee it. Sexual sin is not necessarily performed outwardly; rather, it is in the heart where the sin first occurs. Jesus explained this in Matthew 5:28: “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

God offers help for coping with both desires of the body and the thoughts of the mind. In Romans 12:1-2, we are told to “offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will.” If we earnestly and completely commit our bodies to God, we will not be so apt to offer ourselves to another outside of marriage. The Christian actually has no right to defile his or her body; “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body” I Corinthians 6:19-20. But I say, “I can’t keep the thoughts out of my mind.” Remember - you can end the desire or thought before it becomes sin. Masturbation is one area where human will and bodily desires come into play. No verses in the Bible specifically mention masturbation so in this case we must rely on and examine biblical principles and use them as the foundations for our conclusions.

In adolescence new hormonal activity produces sexual desires and tensions. Some believe these can be relived by masturbating. While masturbation may offer temporary relief, it may also intensify the problem. Here are some of the reasons we feel the Bible discourages masturbation, particularly the compulsive use of it:

o    It may actually increase the sexual drive. This desire is difficult enough to cope with and control without adding fuel to the fire outside the marriage relationship.

o    It can often lead to sexual fantasies. Imagining the sex act with a specific person who is not your mate is as sinful as the act itself. Use of pornographic materials often occurs in masturbation, and use of pornography warps sexual desire.

o    It can lead to withdrawal and low self- esteem. In turn, the person can begin to have problems relating to others and miss out on healthy relationships.

It, however, does not necessarily mean that you are thereby sinful. Dr. James Dobson says “It is my opinion that masturbation is not much of an issue with God. It’s a normal part of adolescence, which involves no one else. It does not cause disease, it does not produce babies, and Jesus did not mention it in the Bible. I’m not telling you to masturbate, and I hope you won’t feel the need for it. But if you do, it is my opinion that you should not struggle with guilt over it.” Whenever thoughts and desires begin to produce guilt, you need to seek out a qualified Christian- Parent, pastor, counselor, or teacher- and talk this out. The guilt you feel may become a negative cycle; guilt causes you to withdraw; this leads to more loneliness, and the result is more guilt- producing thoughts, desires, and actions.

Scripture memory is vital here; “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8) When you spend time thinking God’s thoughts revealed in His Word, unworthy thoughts will then take a back seat in your life.

On the Edge
This month Dr. Jay Strack, President and Founder of SLU, takes a closer look at the issue of purity. Is it possible to control your thoughts and desires, and if so, how is it done?

"Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”:  for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.  Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin: and sin when it is full-grown, brings forth death.  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren."
James 1:13-15

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