113. Summertime Temptations: How Are Your Eyes?

Welcome to episode #113!

In this episode, Matt and Braden talk about being aware of what we are looking at and what we are taking in. Now that summer is here, the heat is on, figuratively and literally! So how will we all prepare ourselves for the onslaught of visual temptations?

Is there a pattern?
When we are struggling in an addiction/shame cycle with things like porn or fantasy, we have visual stimuli as a central component to that ongoing battle. We like to look at porn or look at people lustfully, but it leads us down the path of going to our drug of choice again and again. It can become a pattern in our lives that we can feel enslaved to and also feel like we are completely out of control in. But how do we learn to avert our eyes when we are drawn to being aroused and can't seem to get passed that? Firstly, being able to admit the behaviour exists, and knowing the pattern of where and when we are looking is a key component. Building an understanding about our blind spots is central to moving in healing and freedom. We need the help of the Holy Spirit to lead us in this!

Make a plan
If we are going to be in an environment that we know will have visual temptation (i.e provocatively clothed waitresses at a sports bar), perhaps we can be proactive and either plan to go somewhere else if that is an option or, if it isn't, to think through how we will respond in the moment. Self-awareness is an important factor in learning to self-regulate our arousal and to learn how to be proactive instead of reactive.

It isn't just about our eyes. It's about our heart
The desire that is at the root of our desire to look is an area that God wants to bring healing and health to. Since the enemy can't create, but twists, lies, and distorts our desires, we need to invite Jesus into those areas. Often we look only at the surface level behaviour, but God wants our heart. This requires a choice on our part to invite God into those desires. Learn to lean into God so He can satisfy our hearts' desires and help us navigate what we look at.

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Resources
Pure Freedom Community for men 18+

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FamilyLife Canada: Resources and events to strengthen your marriage

Online marriage resources (FamilyLife Canada)

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Podcast Hosts
BRADEN HAFNER
Braden is the Regional Director in Alberta for FamilyLife Canada. He has been married for 13 years to his wife Kristen, and they live in Edmonton, Alberta. He is passionate about seeing marriages grow and thrive, and helping couples move to a deeper oneness with one another and with God. FamilyLife Canada has a variety of resources and events to help you and your spouse take your marriage to the next level. See what would benefit you at www.familylifecanada.com

MATT CLINE
Matt and his wife Louise raise their little guys, David and Oliver, in Edmonton, Alberta. He is honoured to do what he can to tackle the epidemic of pornography and sexual perversion in every way possible. Seeing lives and marriages get free and experience the love of God in profound ways is what drives him every day. He leads Restored Ministries, is a certified speaker and coach for the John Maxwell Team, and formerly played hockey in the WHL and for Hockey Canada. You can visit www.restoredministries.ca.