Lust is a common struggle with almost every guy, ministers included. It is a common temptation that most guys deal with. You are not alone!
It should not surprise us that ministers deal with lust, but it does. We think that our ministers are so close to God that they are somehow “immune” to these types of temptations.
I Cor 10:31 “No temptation has overtaken you, but such as is common to man.”
THE ADDED DIMENSIONS OF MINISTRY
Being a minister does put you in a different “job category” than others. You are entrusted with the spiritual care of others. You are to be a mouthpiece for God’s Word. You have the delicate, big responsibility of helping people with their soul issues.
The job of a minister can also be a job of isolation. You have a lot of time alone. You are on top, making decisions and many times, no one is watching. If you are a small church pastor or church planter you know these feelings.
A minister is also out on the “front lines”. He is more at risk because he is dealing with eternal matters. Kinks in the armor will easily be exploited by the enemy. Attacks to himself and his family come harder. If there has been an unchecked history of lust, or secrets being hidden, you are incredibly vunerable.
AN ACTION PLAN
You need to get help – Lust problems will derail a minister very quickly. It is important that you deal with your struggles aggressively, and thoroughly. No one can do this alone. NO ONE can do this alone. Did you get it? No one can deal with a lust problem alone.
Open your life to others – You can’t work on sin and struggles without talking to someone. Find another pastor to talk to. A denominational leader. A counselor. Call a ministry’s 800 number. Email me at [email protected]. Call someone.
You need to be courageous – It is a fearful thing to share your junk with someone. You are worried about your reputation, the church, your family. But telling the truth is the right thing. You have to do the right thing. You have to have faith and lean on God and others for help.
Many ministers have struggled with lust and have overcome – I am a minister who has been aggressively dealing with my lust, porn, fantasy, and masturbation problems for the last two years. God has helped me. He will help you. I have met many other ministers who share our same struggles. There is a deliverance and healing side, but you’ve got to get started.
You can’t keep the secret – Any time you keep a secret, you are living in the dark in that area of your life. True authenticity is needed. Walking in the Light. Living in the truth. You need to find a safe person to share your secret with.
God can be trusted – We preach all the time for people to trust God with their salvation, with their problems, with their struggles. Is this any different? God is still God for us ministers. God will help you through this when you choose to work on it, and get the right help. God is stronger than our lust. He has a plan to help us navigate it. Trust Him!