Many years ago, cities were fortified with walls surrounding them, for example, the London Wall and the Great Wall of China. These walls not only ensured boundaries were well defined for political prowess, but also served as protection from intruders and safeguarded the cities' valuables.
Likewise, the word of God encourages us to 'guard our hearts with all diligence for out of it flow the issues of life.' The Good News Translation says it this way 'Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts' (Prov 4v23)
Recently, I have been asked by lots of young people 'how is it possible to abstain from sex? It is totally the hardest thing you can ask of anyone'. Agreed, it is totally hard, but it is not impossible. There are many tips to help young people in this area, but one I often share is 'guard your heart'. In other words, 'be careful how you think'.
Imagine your heart and mind are a city and there are intruders constantly trying to gain access with the aim of disturbing the peace of the city and plundering it. These may come in the form of Images - for example subtle pornographic messages in TV ads or pictures in magazines, Sounds -sensual music with erotic undertones, Ideas - sometimes from the books we've read or discussions we've had. These 'intruders' get into unfortified 'cities' easily and fuel thoughts that eventually birth actions which may in turn have unsavoury consequences (e.g. unprepared parenthood).
But if your 'city' -heart and mind - are fortified or guarded as the bible puts it, even though the intruders come, you will have a defence against them. It means that even though we are tempted (and no one can escape being tempted), we are not brought down by the temptation.
To guard our hearts we need to first fill it with the Word and then build a wall around it, built with building blocks from the Word. This will help our thoughts not to be influenced by what we see, hear or feel. Why the Word? Because it doesn't just tell us not to sin but also gives deep insights on how to resist temptation and hints on how to start again if we fall. For example, Proverbs 6v25 advises young men (and ladies alike) 'Don't be tempted by their beauty; don't be trapped by their flirting eyes.' (Good News Translation). Another great verse is Romans 12v2 'Don't copy the way things are done by today's generation, instead be different and let the Word of God daily renew you as you come to an understanding of what your purpose is in Him' (paraphrased).
As we read and meditate on the Word, God will continue to show us how to overcome temptation. With every temptation there is a way of escape (1 Corinth 10v13), we just don't see it sometimes.
So go in this might and be fortified!
******************* If you know a young person who could benefit from reading this, please don't hesitate to pass it on. ****************
Sarah Teibo is an author and public speaker. Her recent book 'Sex Interrupted' is Biblical, Compelling and Relevant. It has been referred to as the Alpha Course on Sex.
