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.
