Rethinking the Big M By FreeNChrist
Masturbation is rooted in lust
For me the central reason is rooted in lust. I cannot masturbate without lusting. Lust is clearly defined as a sinful act in scripture so if lusting is wrong and I lust while I masturbate then I deduce that masturbation is wrong.
The second reason that masturbation is wrong would come from a passage out of 1 Corinthians 6:18-19, it speaks of sexual sin being committed against my own body and that my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit; in essence the place where God resides is in my body.
Sex and Orgasm is a gift from God
I believe that sex, or more specifically orgasm and climax is a desire and a gift from God. I also believe that just like any other God given natural desire that there are certain boundaries. The bible is clear that sex is supposed to stay within the marriage, which is a boundary. If I took sex outside of the marriage I would be violating that boundary God, which has clearly established. I believe masturbation can be defined as self sex. Self sex is clearly outside of the boundary of “within the marriage.” The spouse has been removed from the sexual experience thus it is outside of the marriage relationship.
Is it okay to masturbate when you are alone for long periods of time?
People justify masturbation by long periods of aloneness. There are two issues to consider with this argument. The first is the absolute necessity of sex. Sex is not an essential for life to persist. If I did not have sex anymore I would not physically die, therefore sex is not a necessity, it is not a “need”. It is however a strong natural God given desire, which leads us to argument number two. Since sex is a God given desire, God himself has a plan on a lack of sex in this sexual relationship, which will stay within His boundaries. 1 Corinthians 10:13 makes this point clear, God gives us a “way out” of any temptation. God will reveal His plan if we trust in Him. When we masturbate, have self sex, or gratify ourselves we do not trust or rely on God, we take things into your own hands (no pun intended). This is a lack of trust, a lack of faith in God, rather than relying on His way we trust in our own way. This is clear disobedience to my maker. We actually steal the opportunity for our spouse or God to fulfill a God given desire!
Becoming an instrument of righteousness
A final reason why I believe masturbation is wrong is defined in Romans 6:13-14. There are two parts to consider in this scripture; the first is to offer my parts of my body as instruments of righteousness. After masturbation I am never more righteous than before. I have always felt guilt, shame and remorse, never closer to God. I don’t believe this could be the result of the action and that action being right; masturbation is wrong! The second point is that “sin shall not be my master”. Masturbation is clearly addictive, I desire it more and more after the first act, it is progressive in nature. In essence it masters me! This is a clear definition of sin, yet another point that masturbation is wrong.
FreeNChrist not only found freedom over his problems with sexual addiction and lust, God helped him to co-found the Men of Freedom in Oklahoma City. This group helps those who are caught in sexually compulsive behaviors as he once was. Men of Freedom also offers a mentorship training. This intensive training is designed to totally move people to a new level of freedom that they have never experienced before. The mentorship is Christ centered and based upon a 12 step approach to healing. FreeNChrist welcomes your comments and is always ready to help. You may reach him by emailing purityproject@cox.net and asking for FreeNChrist.
