What are your priorities?

I would like to address something which seems to be a bit of a recurring theme in the posts on Christian Fapstronauts: "I'm quitting porn and masturbation so I can be a better (future) husband/wife."

Now, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this goal. It's a really awesome one, in fact! However, it's not the goal that I want to address, but the motivation behind it. Should you be quitting because you might be more of a blessing to your spouse, or simply because it's the right thing to do? Should we be going through all this effort and struggle for the hope of a reward for our efforts in this life, or are we going to be content with our Father regardless of our relationship status? Is Christ enough for you?

Christ said that the Father knows all the things that we need before we even ask. All He asked was that we "...seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and then all these things will be given to you." [Matthew 6:33]

If this is so, is finding a spouse a good thing in the first place, since it might hinder our relationship with God? Of course it's a good thing! "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord." [Proverbs 18:22] (Just switch the genders, ladies. It still applies to you!) And don't forget, "...no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." [Psalm 84:11]

Bettering yourself for the sake of your life partner, a better sex life (within marriage, of course), or just gaining mastery over your own body is an admirable goal, but it's only worth it if you have an even better relationship with our Father. Just "seek ye first," and let Him handle the rest.

My prayer is that no one will be offended by this, and that everyone will see the spirit behind this message.

Peace.

 

You're absolutely right. Sometimes we get so caught up seeking our own happiness and gratification that we become blind to those things that could actually fulfill us. It certainly isn't easy. Frankly, I'm still working through this myself, but the results are definitely worth it in the end.

 

Thanks! I'm glad that you agree.