Masturbation: Is It a Sin?

This question was raised by a reader of Brother Magazine regarding masturbation.  Other people were asked to address this issue, however, for reasons unbeknownst to me, they chose not to.  So when I was asked, I figured to myself, “why not?”  This topic has been known to be one of the taboo topics in the body of Christ, however, as many of you know, I have a reputation for being combative and confrontational, so before you have a heart attack, I ask you to remain calm and just continue to read as I argue to my stance on whether or not masturbation is a sin.   This subject has evoked great emotion in the church and my commentary could invoke enormous controversy because there are so many people within Christendom who partake in this subject physically as it has become a hobby to a great many people. 

Simply put, I am compelled to be truthful by saying that my stance is “Yes” masturbation is very much a sin.  I say this because masturbation, while physical, is more mental than it is physical.  For those who would disagree I simply would ask that the next time you attempt to participate in this act, think on the Holiness of God and being in His divine presence.  While this may sound funny, you will have to admit that you won’t get far in the act of masturbation.  You have to understand that in order to participate in this act, not only is it physical but your mind MUST go to a place where you visualize the act of sex.  Your mind is provoked into going to a realm where lust permeates and your psyche has you lusting for a particular something. 

If I am wrong, please correct me however, in Matthew, the fifth chapter, Jesus speaks to the Pharisees who were quite legalistic and carried out the Ten Commandments to a “tee!”  However, Jesus, during His Sermon on the Mount, was led to discuss and share the “game change” and how the people had to operate hereafter because up until now they lived their lives by the commandments and were quick to make sure they did not literally kill anyone.  Conversely, Jesus shared a new concept or a new paradigm or way of thinking which took things to another level which dealt not only with their actions but delved into their thought processes.  He dealt with the issue of murder and not only dealt with the literal meaning of taking a life but shared with them that if they were angry with their brother or sister, it was the same thing as being guilty of murder.  Likewise, for the adulterer, the Pharisees were quick to stand in judgment about their religious living because there were some who hadn’t crossed the line literally nonetheless Jesus leveled the playing field by sharing with them that the heart can be corrupted with lust quicker than the body can. 

Do you understand the basis for my argument in why masturbation is a sin?  Again, show me someone who can become aroused singing a hymn and keeping their mind on whatever is honest, pure, and of good report and if they can do that and still manipulate their body to have an orgasm then maybe I can take a different approach as to how to argue the text.  But until then, I must stay true to the conviction of my heart and aim to make sure my mind stays pure from lustful thoughts that could lead me down a path of no return.  My goal is to do and say those things which are pleasing to my Heavenly Father and the same should be your goal as well. So remember, it’s not about legalistically staying out of the bedroom but rather the thought processes of your mind that resonates   in the mind of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

I know this may seem harsh but I have to keep it real otherwise I wouldn’t be who I am.  The act of masturbation can only be completed by the lustful thoughts that cause stimulation that is needed in order to produce the intended orgasmic reaction!  It is the thought of sexual relations coupled with the manipulation of your body that leads to the purposed combustion.  Without the mind igniting the passion of thought then masturbation is null and void.   I will close by referring to the book of James, chapter 1 verses 14 & 15.  I will use the Message Bible just because it brings the entire point home better than the King James Version does.  (The Message Bible) “The temptation to give in to evil comes from us and only us. We have no one to blame but the leering, seducing flare-up of our own lust.  Lust gets pregnant, and has a baby: sin! Sin grows up to adulthood, and becomes a real killer.”  So basically, James is saying you need to check yo’self before you wreck yo’self!   

Written by Luther McKinstry for  Brotha Magazine for the  Oct/Nov 2010 Issue.