Stone 7: FREEDOM

Written on 02/19/2024
GCUMM


You've made it!  The hard work has been done! Sustaining a clean life free from porn and impurity isn't nearly as difficult as breaking the bondage.

Some will tell you that this new life is like walking on a razor's edge with your ability to slip back into this lifestyle at a moment's notice. I'm asking that you ignore these thinly disguised temptations.

You now should believe that God has supernaturally changed your heart and your soul. You should also be proud of the hard work you have done to actually re-wire your brain and change your behaviors. You've regained the proper operation of the amazing machine God gave you.

The triggers you've placed to let you know that danger is ahead are permanent. Just as you remember not to place your hand into a fire, your new life will remind you that spending time with porn will burn you.

At some point along the way, you lost those barriers to sin and darkness. Just like Adam and Eve, you fell prey to the smooth talk of evil that everything would be okay.  You now know differently.

I will advise one thing, however: if you've rushed through the steps to reach this place and didn't put in the effort, the work, or address your soul condition - freedom is out of reach for you.  Brutal but true.  Start over and do the work. It's not easy, and it's not cheap.

Now, let's look at a life free from porn - shall we?

MAINTENANCE:

The first phase of freedom typically comes with a built-in set of new routines. As you continue to gain your strength, these routines will carry you through the moments of uncertainty.

Think of this stage as a new fitness routine. On the first day of a workout at a gym, you are not as strong, flexible, and energetic as you will be a year later.

The more you practice, the easier it gets. It is more than merely a rote exercise but rather an integrated aspect of who you have become.

SERVICE:

The heart God built for us is counter cultural. The world teaches us to store up, collect, capture, and hold in our hearts what is dear to us.

God teaches that only an empty heart, vacated by enriching others, can be completely filled with His love and hope.

Now that you've been set free of your life of impurity, the fullness of life awaits with your service.  The old you thrived and suffocated from hoarding your time, your intimacy, your love. 

The new you is now poised to be a lighthouse to the world, which shows the way to other lost souls and ships.

Consider how you will give back to those who are still fighting for one more breath.

          Engage in the app to encourage men from all over the world to stay the course

          Become an accountability partner to men who are ready to take the right next step

          Launch a small group in your area which is designed to support guys who are struggling

          Engage in life by using your talents and skills to serve God's people in innovative ways

Congratulations!  Let us know how you won your freedom!