Sin, Abstinence or marriage. The Struggle within self often takes the form of sexual impurity. The quest to subdue, relinquish or fulfill the sexual urges of the mind, eye and flesh only subside based on which one of these three original avenues chosen in the struggle.

Each of them requires additional struggle but two have the assistance of the Holy Spirit while the other only offers confession, repentance and forgiveness in a dangerous loop of Repetitive Sin. The greatest difficulty is that those who practice the sin seldom are close to Christ and after time this recurring practice quenches the spirit even to the point of not being heard by God. Worse yet being turned over to a vain imaginary ideal that this behavior is somehow justified, leading to a darkened heart in that adapted world. Then finally being turned over to reprobate thinking now wishing to see those around you follow the same sinful practices. None the less the absolute sorrow is the yearning although lessened for a moment pesters, lures and captures again and again until it consumes the sinner in hopelessness, despair and shame.

Abstinence though difficult requires making something beyond self urge more important than the will to fulfill it. However, abstinence for the dedication to consecration before God receives great reward in service to the Groom of our expectation. This reasonable sacrifice honors Him and the saint. It does however require enormous dispensation of self-control not often found in humans. For this as with sin is also a choice that pesters and complains, challenging the body, mind and spirit to the battle between flesh and spirit. It is however a worthy endeavor that when confronted by the believer in Spirit leaves a Saint unspotted by the iniquities and desires of this world. It will however make each saint a mark for the enemy as tainted this saintly person appears great reward to the reprobate mind. This is a thing done in the Spirit of God. Praise His name.

Finally, we are confronted with the most difficult but perhaps the most rewarding of the three; marriage. This allows both people to appreciate the yearning of the flesh while fulfilling in a prescribed Biblical manner as the party of a union before God. Although it is not easy the benefits and absence of guilt in the practice of safe sex with one’s wife or husband is covered commitment before God and justification in His Command. It may in fact provide the greatest bastion from the pestering flesh. However, this may also be used improperly and end quite frankly worse than the first two choices. For this requires allegiance not only to God but to spouse. It requires an enduring effort to keep the peace and biblically reside with the partner of commitment and it is for the length of each person’s Earthly existence. This ought never be entered simply to fulfill the lusts of the flesh for within that union resides the commitments of love, care and sacrifice that many do not realize until after the wedding.

All three are addressed in the Bible. One thing is for certain this life comes with it the urges consistent with the flesh, pride and eye. These carnal impulses will at some point require action consistent with choice of fulfillment either through immediate gratification, enduring faith or committed union before God. We all are in this same struggle some with lesser degree of urgency. The rub is that not all know Christ and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise with whom they may face resolve, patience, love and self-governance. Those in Christ will find conviction against sin of those caught within it. The only thing that governs or dissuades sin is a fear of the Lord, without which each human is destined for eternal separation and punishment of those sins. We all face the struggles of this life, most with this very issue. Again it is always choice that is the common factor governing resolution or capitulation. I pray in the Name of Jesus that He guides and aides in your choice.