Today’s post is from PJ Wong, a youth pastor in Waterloo…he’s a good friend and a great writer…thanks PJ!

One of history’s characters that ways amuses me is Samson. We know this guy as a big tough guy who stayed away from alcohol and grew out dread and a beard and decided not to touch any dead bodies. If Samson were alive today, he’d look like this:

Although mighty in speech and deed, Samson did have one downfall—women. Samson loved his girls; especially those of foreign taste. Philistine women to Samson were kryptonite. The Bible gives a brilliant picture of Samson and how the Spirit of the Lord would continually fall on Samson to give him victory over the Philistines, but the first words out of his mouth destroy his credibility as a leader and judge of Israel: “I have seen a woman”.

From there, we know that Samson is doomed. Although he does many great things in the power of the Lord, he continues to fall into sin as glimpse dwells on thought, thought turns to touch and touch forms into a habit. Throughout what is recorded about this Nazarite (a person set apart for the work of YHWH), we observe Samson’s morality fall lower and lower.

Nearing the end of his life, he romances woman named Delilah (this is after his first wife is burned to death and after indulging in a slew of prostitutes). Knowing that the Philistine woman will bring trouble, Samson continues to stay in her company. Three times Samson obviously finds out that this woman is bad news as she tries to hand him over to the Philistines. But something is driving Samson to Delilah—and no, although it beating with blood, it’s got nothing to do with what is in his chest or skull.

Philistine attempt #4—Great Success…

Delilah and the Philistines subdue Samson by removing his deadlocks. The Nazarite is then taken away, made a spectacle of and then ultimately in one push ends up killing himself with the enemies which had captured and provoked him.

What can we learn from this foolish young man?

1. If you think you’re strong enough to beat pornography, sexual fantasy and sneak peeks at woman walking down the street on your own, think again. Single, married or engaged, this is going to be something you’ll have to fight against. Samson was set apart by God and still fell into temptation. Although his wishes to marry were of the Lord’s work, his first words are a give away of the trouble he was going to get into: “I’ve seen a woman”. Do yourself a favour: talk to a friend, get accountability, internet software, heck… even fess up to the boys at your church or youth group… just don’t admit in front of both the guys and girls… those always end up getting really awkward.

2. Although you may not be sleeping with prostitutes 3 times a week, internet porn is less expensive and easier to access—and it still doesn’t mean you’re not whoring yourself out to somebody else in the process. In today’s world, many young men who are set apart by God are trapped in a secret life where they flirt with danger, knowing the consequences but still choose to go deeper and deeper into a lifestyle that takes control of them. If you don’t believe me, try going a month without masturbating and looking at porn. I dare you!

3. God gives us a ton of warnings and lets us off easy… a lot… But by continuing to go this way, you’re only setting yourself up for disaster. 3 times, Samson has the choice to walk away from Delilah. She even blatantly asks how he can be subdued by his enemies! How stupid do you have to be?

Ironically, the first thing that the Philistines do when they have Samson: gouge out the eyes of the perverted sod! He’s seen and done enough for his day!

But how many times has God smacked you over the head saying “this is going to mess you up!”? Eventually, your sins will find you out. In the words of the late Johnny Cash “sooner or later God’ll cut you down”. But for now, He’s hoping it wont get that far. It’s your choice…

It’s up to you. Are you going to walk away from internet porn and sexual fantasy?

Or are you going to keep looking, flirting and rolling in the mess you’ve made until something or someone cuts you down?

Are you going to be a pansy and fall into a trap that will hold you well into your old age?

Or will you fess up and do what it takes to stop in order to save yourself from ruining your life?

(trust me, a 40 year old addicted to porn will tell you that it is ruining his marriage and if the secret gets out, will ruin his personal and work life)

I challenge you to be a true Nazarite—set apart for God’s work, choosing to keep yourself away from what is going to take you out!

Keep it fresh and clean!

-PJ