Overcoming Lust预览

Sexual Desire Is Good and God-Given

God created sex. It was His idea. He created us in such a way that sexual activity releases neurochemicals in our brains, such as dopamine and oxytocin. Dopamine makes us feel good. Oxytocin promotes bonding. When people engage in sexual activity, they connect physically, emotionally, and relationally. That’s the way God designed us. Sex and sexual desire is God-given; it’s part of God’s beautiful design for our good.

Whether you are married or not, God created you with sexual desires. These desires are beautiful. And yet, what we do with them matters. How and when we seek to fulfill them matters. They were given to be fulfilled within a specific context that leads to His best for your life.

God created sex for the context of a loving, stable relationship: marriage. Genesis 2:24 says, “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” Marriage was given for procreation, pleasure, and companionship (Genesis 1:28, Proverbs 5:18–19, Ecclesiastes 9:9). God wants us to honor marriage and keep it undefiled (Hebrews 13:4a).

Maybe you’re single. Maybe you’re married, but your spouse isn’t interested in sex, or is ill, or away. You might feel unfulfilled, dissatisfied, or be so tempted to lust for any number of reasons, but that doesn’t change God’s design or His commands. It’s ok to honor your sexual desire and bless it, while bringing it under submission to God and His ways. While sex is God-given and beautiful, it is not ultimate. You actually don’t need it to survive.

No one knows us better or more intimately than our Maker. Our struggles with sin and temptation are not a surprise to Him. God sent His Son to set us free from sin’s power.We don’t have to give in to sin. We can go to Jesus and reliable people to find help, acceptance, and encouragement. We can grow. We can learn how to seek true and lasting fulfillment.

God, You know my thoughts, desires, dreams, and longings. Help me to honor you with my life.