Response:

I am glad to hear that you have received Christ as Saviour, and that you desire to live for Him. I am also glad to hear that you realize the sinfulness of your behavior, and that you desire to change. Let me give you some suggestions.

First of all, do your best to protect your mind from sin. Proverbs 4:23 teaches us to "Keep thy heart with all diligence". The word "keep" means to "guard". Do your best to not look at, nor listen to, anything that will feed your sinful thoughts. Remember that James 1:14 tells us that "every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed".

Secondly, begin to control your thought life. This may be difficult, but it certainly is Biblical. Phil 2:5 says, "Let this mind be in you." Phil 4:8 commands us to think about things that are "true...honest...just...pure...lovely...of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise". If God commands me to control my thoughts, then I CAN control my thoughts. You need to fill your mind with that which is glorifying to God. When evil thoughts come, force them out with Christ-honoring thoughts. What probably has happened is that you have gotten into the habit of entertaining wicked thoughts, and now you must break that habit. Hebrews 12:1 tells us to lay aside "the sin which doth so easily beset us".

Third, confess the sinfulness of your thoughts. When they come, confess it to the Lord. Do not make excuses for your thoughts, for they are the source of your actions. The Bible says that it is wrong to "regard (approve, behold, consider, enjoy) iniquity in my heart" (Psalm 66:18), so these sins MUST be dealt with before God.

Fourth, memorize Scripture, particularly Scripture that deals with your problem area. When Satan tempted Christ, He responded three times by quoting the Old Testament (Matt 4:1-10). If the Son of God fought the Devil with this tool, we surely would be wise to use it!

Fifth, be sure to be faithfully doing what God would have you to do as a Christian. This is an absurd illustration, but if you could spend the rest of your life praying at the front of your church auditorium, you probably would not get involved in your sinful behavior any more. In II Samuel 11:2, it was the time for kings to go forth to battle, but David stayed at home. In verse three he first lays eyes on Bathsheba, and of course we know that this led to adultery and murder. However, it never would have happened if David had been where he should have been! I assume that you are attending a Bible preaching, New Testament church. Go to all the services, and any other activities that you can. Spend time daily in the Word of God. Listen to sermon tapes, and Christ-honoring music. Read Biblical periodicals. Be obedient, and God will help with the rest. Phil 4:4-6 gives several commands. "Rejoice in the Lord alway...Let your moderation be known...be careful for nothing..let your requests be made known unto God". Then verse 7 states: "And the peace of God that passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus". Do what God wants, and then see what He can do!

I wish I could tell you that things get easier with age. This is not true. However, things will get better as you mature in your relationship with Jesus Christ. It will take work. I Timothy 4:7-8 tells us that bodily exercise profits little, but that we should rather exercise ourselves "unto godliness". As it is a workout to develop our bodies, so it is a workout to develop godliness. Hebrews 5:14 defines the spiritually mature as those "who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil". Again, "use" and "exercise" are required. I hope that you are willing to get in God's gymnasium, and win the victory.

Our prayers are with you. May the Lord bless you.

By Dr Mark Montgomery Ambassador Baptist Church 1926 Babcock Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15209 (412)477-3210