SHOWNOTES FOR BONUS EPISODE 002
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The last two days we talked about masturbation. Is it OK? Will we burn in Hell if we do it? Can we still honor God and be masturbators? Is masturbation addictive?Check out the previous blog posts:
“Can I Masturbate and Be OK? Part I”
“Can I Masturbate and Be OK? Part II”
Many of us want to stop masturbating. We consider it important to our pursuit of sexual purity. Here are some things I think will be helpful in dealing with masturbation, but also with the stuff underneath.
FIND HEALTHY OUTLETS FOR YOUR ENERGY AND PASSION – People who masturbate regularly are really energetic, creative, and passionate people. They have a lot to offer. Find some other pursuits that challenge you. Pour your life in directions that will help you and others.
DEAL WITH THE UNDERCURRENT – If there is a key to stopping masturbation this is probably it. Masturbation is not really about the behavior. It’s about medicating pain that runs deep in your. It’s about trying to meet the unmet needs in your life. You many need a counselor to help you unpack what’s going on underneath the surface.
YOU NEED A BUDDY TO TALK TO – Find someone you can talk to about your struggles. Most people have had varied problems with masturbating, they just don’t want to talk about it. Find someone you can trust and that will keep confidence. This person may have to be a counselor or a minister.
FIND A WAY TO DEAL WITH YOUR ALONE TIME – Alone time and boredom can lead to masturbation. Try to stay busy. Fill up your calendar. Go to bed tired.
DEVELOP A STRATEGY FOR YOUR TV AND COMPUTER – These are some outlets that trip up a lot of guys and gals. We get home and “veg” out in front of the TV and watch tempting stuff. We look to our computers out of boredom and for entertainment, and begin clicking. Consider a program like Covenant Eyes for your computer. Consider some filtering for your TV or a password. Restrict the tempting sources.
GET A NOTEBOOK AND WRITE OUT YOUR FRUSTRATIONS, FEELINGS, AND GOALS – This may sound crazy, but a notebook or a blog is a healthy outlet to get your “stuff” out. Write out your anger. Write out your feelings. Talk it out to yourself.
REALIZE STOPPING WILL TAKE TIME – You become addicted to masturbation overnight. It developed gradually and soon had a strong hold on your life. Freedom from masturbation is accomplished my many, many people. It can be done, but it will take some time. Time to have successes. Time to develop strength. Time to develop healthy habits.
TURN TO GOD IN PRAYER – God is really the only one who can get to your heart. Surrender this intense struggle to Him. You probably have prayed that your masturbation would go away. A better prayer might be, “God, help me have a change of heart. Help me deal with the deep stuff. Help me find better outlets. Help me find a way to talk my stuff out with someone.”
Hey guys, you’re are not alone! This such a common struggle for teens adults, men, & women.
Every Man’s Battle: Winning the War on Sexual Temptation One Victory at a Time
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Q: What are your thoughts and realizations about masturbation?
Q: What are your struggles and victories in this area?
Q: Do you have some different thoughts?
Resources
www.porntopurity.com (Main Website)
http://porntopurity.wordpress.com (Porn to Purity Blog)
The 104 Podcast
Top tips for sexual purity. The meat. Get to the most important stuff in bite-sized pieces.
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