Lusts of the World

1Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul

Christians have a duty to abstain from wicked lusts. It it a battle that many of us face daily, perhaps more than ever before: this fallen world keeps waxing worse thanks to the culture, clothing and internet. Being tempted is easy, often just a click away from us and it takes seconds to fall into sin.

Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Thanks to God this can all be overcome: we can pray for Him to deliver us from temptation, by this the Lord will help us in His own ways. For example, He might take us out of scenarios where we may fall into sin. In addition to this, we can also exercise our self-control "muscles" through fasting; this is a practice that denies the flesh its cravings and puts it under subjugation.

Romans 8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

We need to guard ourselves take precautions against each temptation. It is common for many to fall at times and lose battles, but we can get back up and win the war. It can just take small steps, things like avoiding sitting next to people you find yourself attracted to, putting an adult lock onto internet pages or only use the computer in the presence of your family, or instead of looking at someone attractive, pick up the Bible and study the word.

Phil 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

If you do fall, remember that God has seen this and hates it. Sin is serious business and if left unchecked it can subjugate you to it and slowly but surely it may get worse and worse. Addictions can form and harden and you may get into trouble, you may be punished. Your guilt may increase and you might end up needing to be chastised to be brought to repentance with a contrite spirit.

Revelation 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Hidden things will be brought to the light: just imagine if some of your darkest thoughts were made public, the humiliation you would feel if your loved ones saw it. Keep living in sin and this might happen to you. None of us are beyond God's punishment, what a man sows he will reap, however as Christians this applies even more so, we are expected to live by a higher standard than the worldly.

2 Corinthians 7:3 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.

Finally, I know it is not easy and falling is a reality that gives the devil a foothold from which to attack. Do not be discouraged, confess to the Lord and ask to be purified and He will forgive and cleanse you of your sins, but do not take His great love and grace for granted: go and sin no more.