We Can Remain Chaste

"CALL THE ELDERS"

If we are struggling with wrong sexual desires, fellow Christians are another source of help that we can turn to. Of course,discussing with others of such a personal nature is not easy.  But courageously placing ourselves under the kindly scrutiny of a mature Christian may prevent us from rationalizing any wrong desires.  (Proverbs 18:1; Hebrews 3:12, 13) Talking about our weaknesses with a mature, spiritually qualified Christian may help us to make the necessary adjustments in order to remain in Jehovah's love. 

Christian elders are especially qualified to help us.  (Read James 5:13-15.) A young man in Brazil struggled with wrong desires for many years. He relates:  "I knew that my thoughts displeased Jehovah, but I was too ashamed  to share with others what I was feeling."  Fortunately, a concerned elder in his congregation reached out to him and encouraged him to get help.  The young man recalls:  "I was surprised at how kind the elders were to me, much kinder and more understanding than I felt I deserved.  They listened  carefully to my problems.  The used the Bible to reaffirm Jehovah's love for me, and they prayed with me.  That made it easier for me to accept the Bible's counsel that they provided."  Years later, after making good spiritual progress, he says:  "I realize how important it is to seek help instead of trying to carry out burdens alone."

 Seeking assistance is essential if the source of any immoral desires is the unclean habit of view pornography.  The longer the delay in seeking help, the greater the risk that unclean desires will 'become fertile and give birth to sin' that will hurt others and bring reproach on Jehovah's name.  The desire to please Jehovah and to remain in the Christian congregation has move many of his servants to accept loving help. -James 1:15; Psalm 141:5; Hebrews 12:5, 6.

Next time: We Can Remain Chaste -BE DETERMINED TO REMAIN CHASTE

From the Watchtower magazine