White Knuckles

Why is it that we as Christians some how think that we can white knuckle our actions into submission without ever taking a closer look at the heart behind the action? We some how think that by cutting a computer chord we will no longer be porn addicts, or if we can stop going with our friends to the bar and getting wasted then things will get better. Jesus states in Matthew 12:34 that what fills our hearts comes out in our words. In Matthew 6 Jesus points out that looking at a woman with lust is like committing adultery with her. Why would Jesus say those words? Our mouths proclaim boldly what is in our hearts. What is in your heart will work its way out into your life. Sure you can cut the power chord to the computer and then you wont be able to view porn but does that stop the second glance at a woman who is jogging down the road? Does that stop the glance at the girl in the bikini on the other side of the neighborhood pool? 

The problem goes much deeper then surface actions. As Jesus has stated very clearly, our actions show what is in our hearts. The problem is lust not porn. Porn is just the outward action of the inward attitude.  The problem with trying to get rid of porn is you spend all of your time white knuckling your actions and in the end they find another way to come out and play. There are two key problems when we try to white knuckle our sin into submission. The first is that it will find another avenue to display itself, and second and just as equally dangerous is if we are strong enough to get the action under control we become self righteous and begin to judge everyone else and look down on them because they can't get theirs under control and we become self-righteous. 

So now what? What then is the solution? I think Proverbs says it beautifully in 4:23, "Watch your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life." We have to guard our hearts from the attitudes that stir up our actions in self-centered ways instead of God-centered ways. We have to be honest with ourselves and seek community. It never ceases to amaze me at how many Christians think they will one day stumble onto holiness. It's a day to day moment by moment surrender to God. It is full on reliance on the Holy Spirit for strength and seeking out community with those who will encourage, pray and hold you accountable. You have to bathe the attitude in scripture. What does God's word say about your heart. Then confess it, 1 John 1:9 says," if we confess our sin He will cleanse us from it all." (paraphrase) Think on this, don't spend all your time downstream trying to pick out the pieces of trash to make the water clean, instead head upstream to find out where the trash is coming from and stop it there.