Why the Fight Against Lust Is a Fight for Your Soul. Let’s state it plainly, as the Bible does. Lust is not harmless; it’s not merely “being a guy.” It’s not a private indulgence that remains behind closed doors. It’s a sin that can damage your relationship with God, ruin your marriage, and lead your soul to hell. Overcoming lust is a priority.
Yes, I said it. And no, I won’t apologize for how direct that sounds. Because if you’re a young man struggling with lust or pornography, you don’t need sugar-coating. You need truth. You need Scripture. And you need hope. Let’s go there.
Lust Isn’t Innocent—It’s Adultery of the Heart
“Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.” — Proverbs 6:25 KJV “Do not desire (lust after) her beauty in your heart, Nor let her capture you with her eyelashes.” - Proverbs 6:25 AMP
It begins with a look—a glance that lingers just a bit too long. An image you didn’t scroll past. A movie scene you didn’t skip. But it doesn’t stop there.
Jesus didn’t hold back when He said:
“Whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” — Matthew 5:28 KJV
You may not have touched her, but if you’ve undressed her in your thoughts, you’re guilty. Guilty of sin, accountable before a holy God, and responsible for something that could prevent you from entering heaven.
This Sin Leads to Destruction
Paul warned plainly:
“The works of the flesh are manifest… adultery, fornication… they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” — Galatians 5:19,21 KJV
Read that again. This isn’t just a bad habit; it’s a matter of salvation. Sin always takes you farther than you intended. It starts in the heart. But if left unchecked, it tears apart marriages, devastates families, and distorts how you see people, especially women. Don’t let it rob you of your future.
So What Do I Do?
Do you need help overcoming lust? Let’s get practical. You may feel stuck, maybe ashamed or even addicted. However, there is a way forward, beginning with repentance and a promise to God and to yourself.
“I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?” — Job 31:1 KJV “I have made a covenant (agreement) with my eyes; How then could I gaze [lustfully] at a virgin?” - Job 31:1 AMP
Job made a decision: a personal, serious, spiritual boundary. And so must you. Establish a covenant with your eyes, phone, mind, and heart. Flee the trap. Don’t flirt with temptation. Shut the screen. Change your environment. Cut off access. Run.
“Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace…” — 2 Timothy 2:22 KJV
Practical Step-by-Step Instructions to Win the War
Repentance is the first step, but ongoing victory requires a strategy. You cannot overcome lust with willpower alone. You need a plan—both spiritual and practical. Here are some battle-tested strategies that align with your walk with God:
Remove Access Points
If you’re serious about purity, you need to be ruthless with your access.
- Remove apps and social media accounts that encourage temptation.
- Install web filters or accountability software.
- Consider using a basic phone if needed. Your soul is worth more than unlimited internet access.
Replace, Don’t Just Remove
Empty spaces will be filled. If you eliminate lust but don’t fill that void, it will return.
- Fill your time with positive activities, such as working out, engaging in hobbies, or volunteering.
- Make it a habit to read your Bible daily, focusing particularly on Psalms and Proverbs.
- Remain filled with the Spirit. Lust and the Holy Ghost cannot share the same throne in your heart.
Find Accountability
You were not meant to face this battle by yourself.
- Speak with your pastor or a trusted spiritual mentor.
- Be transparent. Confession sheds light on darkness.
- Don’t seek someone who will coddle your sin. Seek someone who will challenge you to rise above it.
Don’t Just Avoid Sin—Pursue God
If you only concentrate on avoiding sin, you’ll eventually burn out. Instead, focus on developing your relationship with God.
- Establish a regular prayer life. Pray before temptation strikes, not just afterward.
- Fast regularly—it nourishes the body and strengthens the spirit.
- Get involved in the church. Serve, worship, and be present. Isolation is dangerous.
Use Temptation as a Signal to Run to God
Temptation doesn’t signify failure—it signifies that you’re human. But when it strikes, let it serve as a reminder to run to the cross.
- Quote scripture aloud, just as Jesus did in Matthew 4.
- Play worship music to transform the atmosphere.
- Say the name of Jesus—lust hates that name.
Play the Long Game
Consider the bigger picture.
- What type of husband do you aspire to be?
- What kind of legacy do you want to leave for your kids?
- What type of ministry or calling are you willing to sabotage for five minutes of sin?
Victory arises from vision. Understand what’s at stake, and recognize who you’re living for.
This Is War—Every Day
This won’t be a one-time victory. You’ll need to fight for purity every day. Your flesh won’t back down. The enemy won’t relent. But you’re not powerless.
“Abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.” — 1 Peter 2:11 KJV
This is spiritual warfare. Make no mistake, it’s a battle worth fighting. If you don’t fight, you lose. And if you lose, you risk everything.
“The lust of the flesh… is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away… but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” — 1 John 2:16-17 KJV
But You’re Not Fighting Alone
Here’s the hope: Jesus hasn’t abandoned you in this struggle. He sees you. He knows the battle. And He’s ready to strengthen you if you lean into Him.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13 KJV
Yes, even this. Even the habit you believe can’t be broken. Even the shame you feel is too deep. God’s power is greater. His Spirit is stronger. And His grace is real.
If You Keep Fighting—You Win
Don’t give up. You may fall, but don’t stay down. You may slip, but don’t surrender. Keep repenting, keep fighting, and keep growing.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” — Galatians 6:9 KJV
Victory doesn’t come by accident; it comes through endurance, obedience, prayer, and accountability. Moreover, by choosing Jesus over your desires—again and again.
Parting Thoughts
Young man—don’t trade your anointing for a fantasy. Don’t sacrifice your calling for a click. Don’t exchange your purity for momentary pleasure. You were made for more than this. God’s plan is greater than your struggle, and His grace is stronger than your weakness.
It’s time to stop staring and start standing.
Finally, need help overcoming lust, I invite you to join me at Calvary Apostolic Church in Westerville, Ohio.
Additional REading
- The Power of Living Clean in a Culture That’s Lost Its Filter
- Innocence Lost via Sin
- When You Don’t Feel God: How to Keep Going
Credits
Credit: OpenAI helped create my article outlines and generate the imagery. Grammarly fixed my writing errors, and Quillbot makes everything better.
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