Purify Your Mind Series (Part 1) by Joe KirbyExemplo

Introduction

If you ask any preacher privately, they’ll tell you, “Nobody wants to be the purity guy.” It’s true—nobody wants to be that guy, because the subject of sexual sin is embarrassing. I used to blush (well, really, cringe) whenever a preacher would mention lust in a sermon, but here I am in 2022, writing a devotional about lust.

A few years ago during the COVID-19 lockdown, I received literally thousands of messages through social media from Christians overwhelmed with guilt because of this sin. Many struggled with watching pornography before the pandemic, but when they were confined indoors 24/7 with nothing but a screen to keep them company, they found their addiction snowballed into a monster they simply could not defeat.

But it wasn’t just those who struggled with impure images on the Internet who wrote to me; I received messages from those who were having sex outside of marriage, or carrying shame from things they did in a past relationship.

Now you’re probably wondering, Why did all these people write to you, Joe? Are you a relationship coach? Do you have a degree in overcoming addictions and psychology? Far from it! I’m no expert, but in April 2020, I made an amateur video (shared below) where I shared the most important lesson God ever taught me: Even though we mess up, He won’t stop loving us. By the Lord’s grace, the video went viral and has since reached millions of precious souls. Today, people still message me with the same question: How do I overcome sexual sin?

My prayer is that this compilation of thoughts that I’ve picked up over the years will help you. And if just one person breaks free from the chains of lust after reading this devotional, I will count myself a very blessed man indeed.

—Joe Kirby, Off the Kirb Ministries

Admit You've Got a Problem

In every drug and alcohol rehabilitation center they say the first step to freedom is to admit you’ve got a problem. Sexual sin is no different. The world may say it’s natural, your friends may claim your habit isn’t as bad as theirs, and even you might not think it’s such a big deal. After all, why did God give me such strong desires if He didn’t expect me to act on them?

But the Bible says we are not to deceive ourselves: sexual sin is wrong and you need to take action against it. The fact that you have picked up this book is an encouraging sign that you are finally ready to let go of this habitual sin. The verse above reminds us that God knows we’re not perfect; we’re messy, imperfect sinners who need the Lord’s grace daily.

When I first became a Christian I was young and had little money. One day the man who discipled me wanted to buy me a burger at McDonald’s, but being British, I felt guilty and stubbornly said, “It’s OK; I’m not that hungry, anyway.”

He left me smiling and speechless when he responded, “Joe, you can’t be a Christian then.”

I replied, “What do you mean?”

He laughed. “To be a Christian you need to learn to receive.” So I happily let him buy me a Big Mac.

We need to remember the only way we can fight this battle is to accept we’re spiritually bankrupt in this area and we need help from the Lord. I pray this book will be used by the Lord to give you the help you need, as we walk this daily journey of purity together.