What Is Freedom After All?
Agnosticgirl writes in response to Dameco Lee’s Story - Overcoming Masturbation,
Hi,
This is an interesting story you posted on here and i wanted to comment. Being a former Christian ( i am now leaning towards agnosticism)I sympathize with what you struggled with. But in my opinion masturbation is a biological response and not one of a sinful nature. I used to think the same way as you: That masturbation is sinful and wrong. But then I realized when you let go of those thoughts and consider masturbation as a human process, something that is ok and natural, you are free. You no longer feel consummed by guilt. Many would say they are happy in Christ and that is the only thing that will rid them of sin or guilt. But simply seeing something in new light can also free you. It is not a secular view of masturbation, but a human view. I do not believe God is concerned with every aspect of our lives here on earth, but only that he expects to behave with kindness towards our fellow man. I am free just like you, only my freedom comes from freedom of mind and the blessed assurance and acceptance of a higher being I do not believe we can know all about.
Gabie replies…
What is freedom after all? Is freedom doing whatever you want or is freedom doing whatever you should? There is nothing more freeing than being able to hold back from doing what you want and having the strength to think through your actions as to where they will lead before you act.
According to Christ, freedom is to know HIM. Follow my steps through the Word. Jesus said clearly in John 14:6 that HE was not only the Way but that HE was also the Truth. Notice HE is not saying that HE has the Truth but that HE is the Truth. In a conversation HE holds with religious leaders in John 8 HE tells them “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Therefore, we take from this what is mentioned above. Now, we need to pay attention to the very Words Jesus speaks. Notice HE says that if we hold to His teaching we will be free.
Many a times we can start off on the right foot having been washed by the blood of the Lamb. Once cleansed we begin a transformation that will takean entire life time. I have to agree with the girl who shares such strong testimony about being set free from the sin of masturbation. Following Christ is first and foremost the most amazing privilege yet we must be honest to say that our flesh battles all the way to the cross. The Apostle Paul said it best in Romans 7 yet in Romans 8 HE does give us the only solution to live a life worthy of our calling.
Grace and Truth is what JESUS brought us and Truth is not relative. Either HE is right when HE tells us that we are to be holy because the One who has called us is Holy or we can foolishly expect God to bow down to our compilation of theories which would be considered New Age.
In Matthew 6 we find the best illustration of what can happen when yourold ways sneak right back up into your thinking. Matthew 6:22-23 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
We know from Scripture that our hearts are deceitful and always wanting to find ways to please the inherited sinful nature. Unless you have been born from above you can not understand spiritually the things of God and why HE would say and do what HE does.
Therefore it is sad and quite possible that we would think that we are in the truth and think we are living in freedom when in reality “how dark is our darkness if it appears to be light?” God is Holy and we should do all things unto HIM…can you honestly say that masturbating would be an act that you could offer up to HIM as a living sacrifice holy and pleasing to HIM? according to Romans 12 this is our reasonable act of worship…
What has happened to the girl that claims to be a former Christian that led her away from Christ? Christ is not a withdrawn Savior who does not understand the trials we endure daily…the Word clearly tells us that HE was tempted in all ways but was yet without sin. He is our HighPriest who is able and willing to intercede for us according to what HE knows we deal with. I trust that He who began a good work in you will complete till the day of His appearing.
May the LORD gently woo you back into His loving and protective arms…
Sincerely,
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