Overcoming Masturbation: Unlocking Obedience to God's Mission

The Intersection of Missions and Masturbation: Overcoming Obstacles to Obedience

Have you ever felt a deep conviction to answer the call of God into vocational Christian service, only to be hindered by defeat in the area of lust? Perhaps you have experienced the overwhelming urge to dedicate your life to world evangelization, to join the battle for souls, but find yourself trapped in the grip of regular masturbation. If so, you are not alone. Masturbation, a common practice among both men and women, can become a significant obstacle to obedience in fulfilling God's mission.

Understanding Masturbation: A Personal Experience

Let's start by demystifying masturbation. Masturbation is the act of self-stimulation to achieve sexual orgasm. It is an experience that nearly every man and a significant number of women have indulged in at some point in their lives. It is often seen as a private and personal act, hidden from the eyes of others. However, when it becomes a habitual practice, it can have profound effects on one's spiritual journey.

Consider the story of a young man who hears the powerful call of God to embrace the cause of world evangelization. He feels the Holy Spirit nudging him towards a life of purpose and impact. But as he reflects on the weight of this calling, he becomes acutely aware of his own struggles with lust and habitual masturbation. The guilt and shame associated with this practice make it difficult for him to envision himself boldly proclaiming the Gospel to others, especially to attractive individuals whom he has objectified in his thoughts. As a result, he feels unworthy and ill-equipped to obey God's call, and masturbation becomes the enemy of his missionary aspirations.

Unveiling the Obstacles to Obedience

So, why does masturbation pose such a significant hindrance to our obedience to God's calling? Let's explore a few key reasons:

1. Guilt and Shame:

Masturbation often carries a heavy burden of guilt and shame. This guilt stems from a sense of violating God's design for sexual intimacy within the context of marriage. The shame arises from the secrecy and perceived immorality associated with this act. When we allow guilt and shame to take root in our hearts, they cripple our confidence, making it difficult for us to step out in faith and answer God's call.

However, it is crucial to remember that God is a loving and forgiving Father. In 1 John 1:9, we are assured, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Confession and repentance open the door to restoration and freedom from guilt and shame, enabling us to pursue God's calling with renewed zeal.

2. Distorted View of Others:

Regular indulgence in masturbation can lead to a distorted view of others, particularly regarding their bodies and sexuality. When we engage in sexual fantasies and objectify individuals in our thoughts, we diminish their worth and reduce them to mere objects of desire. This objectification hinders our ability to see others as individuals created in the image of God, with souls in need of salvation.

The Bible reminds us in Matthew 5:28, "But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart." This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of guarding our thoughts and renewing our minds to align with God's truth. By actively resisting the temptation to objectify others, we can develop a genuine love and concern for their eternal well-being, thus enabling us to fulfill our missionary calling with integrity.

3. Weakening of Spiritual Vitality:

Masturbation, when practiced habitually, can sap our spiritual vitality and hinder our intimacy with God. It becomes a distraction that consumes our time, energy, and focus, leaving us spiritually depleted and unable to effectively engage in the work of missions.

The apostle Paul encourages us in 1 Corinthians 6:12, saying, "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything." As followers of Christ, we are called to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. By surrendering our sexual desires to God and seeking His strength to overcome temptation, we can experience a renewed sense of spiritual vitality and a greater capacity to fulfill our missionary calling.

Overcoming the Obstacles: A Path to Obedience

Now that we have identified the obstacles that masturbation presents to our obedience, let us explore practical steps to overcome this challenge:

1. Seek Accountability:

Accountability plays a vital role in breaking free from the grip of habitual masturbation. Find a trusted mentor, friend, or pastor who can walk alongside you in your journey towards sexual purity. Regularly sharing your struggles, victories, and setbacks with someone who understands and supports you can provide the necessary encouragement and motivation to overcome this obstacle.

2. Renew Your Mind:

As mentioned earlier, the battle against masturbation begins in the mind. To overcome this habit, we must actively renew our minds with God's truth. Immerse yourself in Scripture and meditate on verses that address sexual purity, such as Psalm 119:9, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word." By saturating our minds with God's Word, we can align our thoughts with His truth and replace destructive patterns with wholesome and godly thinking.

3. Pursue Intimacy with God:

Developing a deep and intimate relationship with God is key to overcoming the allure of masturbation. Spend consistent time in prayer, worship, and meditation, allowing His presence to fill your heart and satisfy your deepest longings. As you draw near to God, you will find fulfillment and satisfaction in Him, making the enticement of lustful desires less appealing.

4. Embrace God's Forgiveness:

Remember that God is a forgiving God. No matter how many times you have fallen into the trap of masturbation, His grace is sufficient to cleanse and restore you. Embrace His forgiveness fully and allow it to propel you forward, free from the bondage of guilt and shame. As the apostle Paul declares in Romans 8:1, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

Moving Forward: Embracing God's Mission

As we embark on the journey of overcoming the obstacles of masturbation, let us keep our eyes fixed on the ultimate goal: fulfilling God's mission. Remember that God's call is not contingent on our perfection or lack thereof. He chooses to use imperfect vessels to carry out His perfect plan.

Just as a skilled potter molds clay into a beautiful vessel, God can transform our brokenness and weaknesses into instruments of His glory. By surrendering our struggles to Him and seeking His strength, we can rise above the hindrances of lust and masturbation and embrace the mission He has entrusted to us.

In conclusion, it is essential to recognize that the battle against masturbation is not one that can be fought alone. Seek support, hold fast to God's Word, pursue intimacy with Him, and embrace His forgiveness. As you journey toward sexual purity, you will find yourself better equipped to answer God's call and actively participate in His mission to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.