Looking in the Mirror

Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. - James 1:21-25

The first stage in mortifying lust is to change our perspective.   We need to change the conversation from that of victimhood and helplessness to rebellion and obedience. 

 

In the Picture of Dorian Gray, the effects of the title characters hedonism is reflected in the painting.  Similarly, we are responsible to let the Lord examine us (1 Cor 4:3-4) and reveal the motivations of our hearts (Hebrews 4:12).  When we are convicted of sin we must see our sin for what it is: Rebellion against God.  If we walk away and forget what kind of person we are then we will not be blessed and we are fooling ourselves. 

 

God is not unfair, he is not tormenting you by asking you to do the impossible (1 Cor 10:13).  Believe me, when you finally look back at this stage of your life, wallowing in sin, you will see the foolishness and futility of your thinking. 

Take time to see yourself in the light.  Let the bible reveal the state of your heart.  Read the verses about sexual immorality and let them sink into your soul.  Meditate on them, take time to think about your life,  the direction it is going, the consequences if you continue, the isolation you feel as you protect your secret life. 

You will come to the same conclusion that I did:  You can't live this way.