Mr Average Christian

“We’re all going on a summer holiday, no more worries for a week or two….” Sure you might be grimacing in despair as you wonder how Cliff Richard managed to creep onto this blog – but we all know you were finishing off the rest of that line, at the very least attempting an impression of sir cliff.

You may have issues with Cliff Richards music (I can’t say I’m much of a fan), but you surely have respect for the man who is Mr. Pure? Existing in an industry that has money, women and the whole world thrown at you to fulfil your every desire, this man has led a somewhat shy life, out of the spotlight and free of accusations and gossip.

I struggle to write on this subject. You see, I can’t imagine Sir Cliff ever having the thoughts and struggles that I do. In fact I worry that I am alone in this struggle. The struggle of a pure mind.

This struggle is somewhat more of a challenge for us guys than the ladies, since we are visual creatures, we take things in and our imagination runs riot. Before you know your mind has wandered into the gutter and beyond.

I was turning over this idea in my head when I went to the city centre a day ago… And perhaps it was because I had it in my mind and was more keenly aware. Or perhaps the Lord was just underlining it for me, but wherever I looked the world was screaming out “SEX!” to me (not literally of course – that would be weird). From girls wearing next to nothing, to the rather provocative shops, to the billboards telling me its easy to get that sexy girl.

And the more the world deems it all acceptable the more desensitised we become. Accepting standards which must disgust our Father God. Is there anyway to combat this? Only one book would know:

1 Thessalonians 4:3-8
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.

It has been Gods intention from the start that with the help of his spirit we become more like him. Living holy and righteous lives. That process is impeded when our defences slip and allow ourselves to dwell on our thoughts, which are anything but helpful.

Men, we have to declare war on this. We must realise the importance of Purity in our lives. We must understand that it grieves our Father God and hurts our relationship with him.

So what can we do?

Get real
“But I’m not like that”. “I help out at church”. “I have two hour prayer times”. Great, but are you a man? Then you’re fallible. You need to understand you are not untouchable. King David fell from grace, so can you.

Memorise scripture
Christ deflected satans temptations with scripture – why can’t we? If we are regularly soaking up Gods word, then our mind and heart will be focusing on God and pleasing him. The importance of daily devotional time with the Lord cannot be overstated – our purity is at stake!

Prayer
Plead with God to give you the desire to focus only on him. To protect you in your weakness. Ask that the Holy spirit with give you a ‘holy dig in the ribs’ that will bring you to your senses again. Get others to pray for you too, if you can be that honest!

Be accountable
Quite possibly the hardest thing a man could do is admit he’s struggling. Being too proud, we’d rather plough further into hopeless despair than show our vulnerability to others. It’s time we were real men and seek help in our war. Grab another Christian guy who you respect and trust. Someone who can keep ask you questions about your personal life. Who could challenge you regarding your actions.

Don’t despair
The fact of the matter is, that the world is selling everything but purity. You can’t hide from the world, you can’t shield your person from the seductions of life. It’s there and you have to deal with it. Temptation is all around, don’t beat yourself up because you find yourself tempted. We are human beings with a sinful nature.

Take action
If you can’t do anything about temptation, the next step certainly is your call. Is that girls low top catching your gaze? Turn away. Is that TV programme rotting your mind? Switch if off. In Mark 9, we are told to pluck out our eye if it causes us to sin. Christ calls us to action! Not by self harming of course – but by cutting the supply line to our mind. Whatever is feeding our less than pure thoughts – do something about it!!!

(I’m sure Sir Cliff does struggle really – doesn’t he??!!!!)