Before reading the following article please understand that is written by a man for men. Ladies, you may gain helpful insight, but this one is for the guys!

We live in an impure world – and that’s an understatement! Men have always struggled with their thought life. Christ recognized our struggle when He stated, “whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” He recognized the challenge that His own disciples faced in keeping their thoughts pure. King Solomon instructed, “Lust not after her beauty in thine heart.”

Technology has completely changed the game for men and made lust easier than it’s ever been. Portals have been opened for men that have never before existed. No longer do we have to leave our home or even our car or office to view images and fill our hearts with lust. We now can gain access to the Internet through laptops, tablet computers, and even cell phones.

Pornography is accessible and the fight for purity must be fought harder by God’s men than it ever has been.  A few reasons you should have a pure mind:

- Impure thoughts limit God’s use of your life.

Chinese philosopher Mencius wrote, “Before a man can do things there must be things he will not do.”

In ways you may understand and in ways you will never understand, sin always limits God’s use of us. The more we become like Him – the more pure we are – the more God can use us.

2 Chronicles 16:9 “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.”

- Impure thoughts steal joy and satisfaction from your heart and in time will destroy a part of your soul.

Men who give into their desire to view pornographic images (including but not limited to websites, movies, advertisements) or who allow their eyes to linger on a woman literally destroy a part of themselves.

1 Corinthians 6:18 “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”

How do you fight your lust and strive for a pure mind? Very briefly:

1. Seek accountability

Software – there are some great filters and software (Covenant Eyes and Safe Eyes among others) that can help you monitor your phone, computer, and tablet. Limiting access is half the battle.

Friend – we are to confess our faults one to another that we may be healed. Find a friend to hold you accountable and that will ask you questions that other people will not.

2. Strive to walk with God

God has promised to help us in our struggle with sin. A daily walk with God will strengthen and empower you.

1 Corinthians 10:13 “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”

3. Support modesty

Support modesty in your home with your wife and with your daughters. Exercise the authority God has given you to ask your wife and daughters not to wear clothing that will attract the attention of other men.

Ladies, you can help here by simply being thoughtful about what you wear.

Our culture teaches women to dress sexy. Advertisers pour it on thick. There is nothing wrong with a woman being sexy…for her husband and behind closed doors – in fact she should do everything in her power to be sexy for her husband!

However, ladies, outside of your husband please don’t dress or act to attract men’s attention. Without going into great detail, understand that men struggle with what they see and you can literally help a man not sin by simply dressing modestly.

May God help you today as you fight for purity and seek to cultivate a pure mind and body ready to be used by God.