4 Responses to “I want to join the church, but I have a problem with masturb…”
Richard
2010-02-22 03:18:05
Stop masturbating. I know easier said than done, but it is possible to stop. I know because I had a very simalar problem years ago. I ended up deciding to quit and than praying, with more prayer and finding other things to do with my time that were away from the PC and other areas where porn could be found easily. My biggest help was being a member of the church and having weekly, if not twice weekly, meetings with my bishop to discuss my progress. This included pitfals as well as success stories.
I learned that God already knows all that we do and is not surprised when we fail to keep our promises to ourselves and/or to him and/or our church leaders/family. Another problem I found, or rather it was shown to me, was my overall problem was I liked the feeling as well as the indulgence in the evil of porn. I had to admit that to myself, admit that to my God, admit that to my bishop, and than pray for help at almost every step. Than once I had moved on with that truth I prayed for help and eventually the urge was removed. (That's the best way to describe it)
Finding and reading 1. "Clean hands, pure heart" By phillip harrison, 2. "He did Deliver me from Bondage" by Colleen Harrison, 3. "The Addiction Recovery" manual as well as attending their meetings (you don't have to tell anything there if you don't want to), and any other LDS book you can find (as well as daily intense if need be scripture and prayer) all helped out too.
It took me 24 years to develop my addiction, I don't know how long you've been working on yours, but the recovery has been surprisingly quick in comparison. I still have the urge to seek out less than fully covered women in any form, but the masturbation has been overcome now for 5 good years, and the porn addiction will be overcome in full too because I know that it's possible.
Just one step at a time in the right direction with the help of Jesus and our Father, and the church, or a help group/therapy session and one day you'll be over your addiction, habit, problem (whatever you want to call it).
A statue of Jesus Christ at temple square in Salt Lake City.
The best thing is once you are able to be cleared with the missionaries to be baptised you'll be washed clean and never need to remember your past again. (See D&C 58:42 and Chad D. Richardson's "Forgiving Oneself" talk) the devils wont want you walking this path, but they can literally get themselves to hell and leave you alone. You are an agent unto yourself and they cannot force you to do anything, all they can so is tempt you and it's up to you whether or not you give in. (And you'll find it easier to resist over time)
Start with the missionaries and be truthful with them and God and yourself and in just a small moment you'll be free, on your way to the temple and given a calling to keep you busy. Just make the choice and start taking the steps. Christ will walk it with you. Again I know because I wouldn't be where I am now today without him.
Anonymous
2010-02-22 01:51:06
Your Heavanly Father has promised great spiritual blessings if you will keep his commandments. Certain sacrifices must be made so that we can have his spirit to be with us
Anonymous
2010-02-23 07:08:20
It's not easy, but it can be done. Ask Heavenly Father for strength to stop. I remember when I joined the church I had the same problem, and continued to struggle with it for several years into the church. Repentance was hard, and I kept slipping up, but it was possible to get rid of it, and I'm past it now. Satan will try to bring you back, my biggest suggestion is find a hymn, and sing it in your head as loud as you can every time a temptation arises. You need to fall out of the habit, and keep an eternal perspective.
Nils
2010-03-06 19:43:24
Hi there, Boyd K. Packer addressed the young men about this topic back in 1976. Okay I'll admit: that's a long time ago. But you still might find the talk helpful. One of his key messages (from my point of view at least) is:
"First, I want you to know this. I you are struggling with this temptation and perhaps you have not quite been able to resist, the Lord still loves you. It is not anything so wicked nor is it a transgression so great that the Lord would reject you because of it, but it can quickly lead to that kind of transgression. It is not pleasing to the Lord, nor is it pleasing to you. It does not make you feel worthy or clean."
I learned that God already knows all that we do and is not surprised when we fail to keep our promises to ourselves and/or to him and/or our church leaders/family. Another problem I found, or rather it was shown to me, was my overall problem was I liked the feeling as well as the indulgence in the evil of porn. I had to admit that to myself, admit that to my God, admit that to my bishop, and than pray for help at almost every step. Than once I had moved on with that truth I prayed for help and eventually the urge was removed. (That's the best way to describe it)
Finding and reading 1. "Clean hands, pure heart" By phillip harrison, 2. "He did Deliver me from Bondage" by Colleen Harrison, 3. "The Addiction Recovery" manual as well as attending their meetings (you don't have to tell anything there if you don't want to), and any other LDS book you can find (as well as daily intense if need be scripture and prayer) all helped out too.
It took me 24 years to develop my addiction, I don't know how long you've been working on yours, but the recovery has been surprisingly quick in comparison. I still have the urge to seek out less than fully covered women in any form, but the masturbation has been overcome now for 5 good years, and the porn addiction will be overcome in full too because I know that it's possible.
Just one step at a time in the right direction with the help of Jesus and our Father, and the church, or a help group/therapy session and one day you'll be over your addiction, habit, problem (whatever you want to call it).
Start with the missionaries and be truthful with them and God and yourself and in just a small moment you'll be free, on your way to the temple and given a calling to keep you busy. Just make the choice and start taking the steps. Christ will walk it with you. Again I know because I wouldn't be where I am now today without him.
"First, I want you to know this. I you are struggling with this temptation and perhaps you have not quite been able to resist, the Lord still loves you. It is not anything so wicked nor is it a transgression so great that the Lord would reject you because of it, but it can quickly lead to that kind of transgression. It is not pleasing to the Lord, nor is it pleasing to you. It does not make you feel worthy or clean."