Masturbation is the manual stimulation on the genitals to produce erotic sensations to the point of orgasm. This solitary pleasure (I already addressed the couple perspective in my post improper sexuality in the couple), has even been praised for its physiological and psychological benefits.
Today it is admitted and even encouraged to practice masturbation – among teens, as a healthy way to discover their body; and among adults, as a method of relaxation and a way to have a balanced sexual life even without a partner. I also read somewhere that masturbation could alleviate depression and give a higher sense of self-esteem. Seriously, I doubt it!
What is not underlined however is the fact that masturbation is a highly addictive practice. People who practice masturbation would tell you it is as obsessive and enslaving as drugs and really hard to stop.
I asked myself why every good thing agreeable to God, able to raise our spirit, and lead us to a better knowledge of Him is not addictive? Like why aren’t we addicted to prayer, fasting, and the sharing of the Gospel of Christ?
The answer is simple! The Holy Spirit of God that leads us in worshiping the Lord is a Spirit of freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17), and He doesn’t keep us captive in anyway but the way we want to surrender ourselves to Him.
On the contrary all addictive practices that progressively take control over our own will are the works of evil spirits whose purpose is simply to cut us short from the presence of God and destroy us.
Many believers think that because masturbation is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, it is not a sin. Well, many sins like gambling, smoking, drugs abuse, internet adultery, etc. aren’t plainly named in the Book as well, but it doesn’t make them less hideous and repellent in the sight of God. Besides, the Holy Spirit who guides us in all righteousness convinces us of what is good and what is wrong.
The Scriptures say in Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.”
Our thoughts should be focus on things that please the Lord. Masturbation does the exact opposite. It calls for a world of fantasy where anything is permitted: cheating, lust, violent sexual acts, etc.
If you are christian and have been struggling with masturbation, don’t comfort yourself by listening to those evil teachings praising masturbation as perfectly fine with the Lord. It is not. Masturbation is a sin. I exhort you to repent and ask the Lord for forgiveness. Like many sins that touch the intimacy, masturbation is often kept secret because of fear, shame, and embarrassment. Confessing to a mature Christian is one way to expose the spirit that keeps you captive. The Bible recommends in James 5:16 “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”
Also Keep yourself busy in the work of God, through prayer, meditation of the Scriptures, and seek His presence through fasting. The more you will get close to God, the more you will be filled with His Spirit, and the more He will print in you his character and nature. Before you realize it, you will be freed from whatever it is that troubled you. For I know for sure nothing, no evil spirit, no addiction can resist the presence of the Holy One, especially not masturbation. Be encouraged!