Pocket Points

I find myself “pocketing” certain points – small sayings, or bit-sized principles that can be useful – as a way of staying equipped to face daily stressors, temptations, and general challenges. And since Monday’s topic is Keeping it Clean, let me spell out a few “pocket points” that might be of some use to you.

1. A problem with sexual sin is ultimately a problem with God, so recommitting yourself to deeper fellowship with Him is first order of business if you want to keep it clean.
2. You’re a created being, whose Creator has specific intentions for you. By striving to stay within those intentions, you’re staying true to who you really are, and what you’re meant to be.
3. Never underestimate the power of the familiar. You’re not likely to abandon a familiar habit as long as you have access to it, so as much as possible, cut off that access by forbidding anything to come into your life if you know it will draw you back into unclean thoughts or acts.
4. When you repeat a pleasurable experience, your brain records it, bringing it to your memory and reminding you of its pleasure. Count on it being difficult for you to resist that pull on your own, and admit your need for transparency and
   accountability.
5. You may have trained your brain to expect the chemical rush that comes with porn or other sexual sins, so your brain may begun registering that “rush” as a necessity, causing you to feel that the sin is a literal need. The bad news: Expect discomfort. The good news: Discomfort won’t hurt you; accept it as part of weaning yourself from a deeply ingrained, unclean habit.
6. There may be emotional pain in your life that you’ve been trying to medicate through porn use. While recognizing that’s no excuse for deliberate sin, the pain may be calling your attention to longstanding problems that need addressing. So with the wise counsel of a pastor or mentor, determine whether or not there are relational problems you need to confront, correct, or let go of.
7. To sexually sin is to cause pain to God, damage to others, and weakening to the Body of Christ in general. You’re not in this alone, a fact that should bring you both comfort and a sense of responsibility.
8. Your Race is planned. In that race there’s a goal, a process, rules governing what you may or may not do, and a need for clear focus and unreserved commitment. Your race consists of whatever God calls you to accomplish in this life: your responsibilities, gifts, calling, primary relationships. That makes you a sprinting steward, a man given both responsibilities and goals. Now, more than ever, you need to consider them and take them to heart. As members of the body you and we are part of, we’re all waiting to see how you run. And we’re hoping you run well.