Post #9: 5 Reasons Why we Need to Address Objectification.

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​The fact is, our eyes and a discipline of them, can make a massive difference in our ability to be positioned for success.   Not to mention, objectification vilifies your view of the opposite sex and is very disrespectful.

So, unless you have moved under a rock, you cannot help but notice that we live in a day where sex is used to promote and sell anything.  With the physical and sexual exploitation in print, social media, and film, it becomes necessary for believers to become honest and strategic about purity.  FACT:  It does not matter how long you have been in your relationship with God; no one is immune to falling victim to objectification and its unchecked desires.  This past weekend, I attended a men's conference, and this topic was a rare inclusion within our discussions.  This inclusion led to some critical and in-depth moments of group share.
 
Are you striving to remain committed to morality?  Are you consistently failing?  Have you struggled with an illicit longing to compromise your morals and sanctity with an impure approach to another person’s body?   If you are, you must consider your vulnerability to the enemy and become connected and disciplined within your prayer life.  For anyone in such a challenging time, I have comprised this list of five simple resolves that will aid you in your fight against the temptation of sexual immorality.
 

• Pray against and avoid objectification:  Job was correct in his thinking when he made his powerful eye covenant (cf. Job 31:1).  Our eyes and discipline of them can make a massive difference in our ability for success.   Be honest with God and pray regularly about your temptation and even your failing moments of objectification.
• Know that self-control is possible with God:  I do not care what anyone says, maintaining your virginity/celibacy is possible for the child of God (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:36).  As God endowed us with His Holy Spirit at baptism, we became empowered with an attribute of the Spirit known as “temperance” or “self-control.”  I will admit that no one controls what they desire (and only with God and time can one be changed for the better); however, we can (with Christ) be more intentional about our purity despite our lusts. 
• Sexual impurity damages your relationship with your Savior:  In 1 Corinthians 6, we learn that the sins we commit sexually are among the most perverse against our Savior because these acts violate not only our bond with God but also our bodies.  Remember that your connection with Christ is a covenant.  Therefore, ensure to maintain your vows during your struggles. 
• Fact:  Pornography is a problem:  Silently, secretly, and quietly pornography kills a sizable portion of the people of God.  In addition, it creates an unrealistic expectation for the marital experience, fosters a greater level of objectification, betrays the trust of your spouse or significant other, and is addictive.  Please visit this link if you or someone you know is battling pornography addiction. 
• Marriage is Honorable (cf. Hebrews 13:4):  Unpopular Opinion:  Dating is not for fun.  Sure, it can (and should) be fun; however, that is not the purpose of dating – that is the purpose of theme parks.  Dating is an opportunity for a man and a woman to get to know one another to see if they are compatible for marriage.  If you seek to date in this fashion, your ability to seek a single partner for marriage aids in the battle of purity and anti-objectification in a way that several conquests of fornication cannot.  LET ME BE CLEAR:  NO ONE SHOULD MARRY JUST FOR SEX.  However, if you find yourself dating a marriage candidate at length and your passions for one another are growing, do not allow the fires of objectification to burn; find peace and know that marriage is acceptable and encouraged. 

Finally, know that accountability and transparency is a MUST!  This is without a doubt; after all, no one can make it alone (cf. Proverbs 27:17).  We all need some measure of accountability and restoration (cf. James 5:16).
 
So, what do you think?  Was this helpful?  Which point registered with you the most?  Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  Thinking of a friend who could use this post?  Could you share it with them?  Also, subscribe to the blog. 

Imperfectly, 
Kevin D. Jones, Sr.
(@kevindjonessr)