Dealing with Immorality

“Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.” Colossians 3:5-10

Our usual defense against immoral thoughts or actions is a recommitment to personal discipline, chastity, or holiness. Gritty determination helps stem the tide of impure thinking or actions for a season; but for those who suffer its unrelenting temptation, immoral desires seriously erode any appearance of a joyful, content Christian life. God knows the severity of such passion, and He has provided a firm defense - although a radical departure from our ordinary tactics.
                   
Our first line of defense against the onslaught of immorality in any form is to understand our new position in Christ. Consider this example: You are asked to put together a model airplane. The box cover portrays the plane, but the pieces inside have been switched. You can imagine the frustration of trying to get the model to match the picture.

If we don’t understand our new identity in Christ, we will be flustered trying to match our behavior to this new Christlike image. Dr. Martin-Lloyd Jones, a noted British preacher, says, “You once were a child. Now you are a man. Therefore, quit acting like a baby.” Immorality can never match your new identity in Christ.

“And in Him you have been made complete...” Colossians 2:10