The eighth in a series of 16 blogs answering anticipated (or actual) objections to material set forth in A Way of Escape, i.e., the eighth in a series of 16 blogs answering anticipated FAQs.
OBJECTION #8 (of 16)
Millions have been helped by accountability-based purity programs. And now you’re telling us that you have come up with an escape-without-accountability battle plan. Why would anyone want to try your new-fangled battle plan when accountability-based programs are already reporting great success in Christian (and non-Christian) circles?
RESPONSE
Two reasons why the still-struggling believer might prefer a wholly Spirit-powered option instead of a flesh-starving, accountability-based approach:
1) Eliminates the Shame Factor: A survey by the respected Barna Group revealed that a whopping 83% of persons wanting to quit porn still have nobody in their life to help them quit (see www.wileygrafbooks.com/news/fresh-hope-for-the-83-percent-v8). Even if this were the only available option, most Christian men will still choose to hoist the white flag, acknowledge defeat, and resign themselves to a hypocritical inconsistent walk. For these men, the Shame Factor is simply too high. Too high for them to publicly acknowledge that they have a sin problem and seek help. Far more appealing is an option where these men need only call on the Holy Spirit.
2) Ease of Escape: Those insisting that accountability is the only way of escape openly acknowledge that accountability-based escape (= partner/group-aided starving of the flesh) may be the hardest thing that an addict will ever do in his life (see www.wileygrafbooks.com/news/the-hardest-thing-v8). On the other hand, escape in the Way of Escape Battle Plan is accomplished by repeatedly popping a DVD into a DVD player and drowning oneself in the Holy Spirit. Easy-Peasy! Why the dramatic drop in difficulty? Because it is always easier to “Feed the Spirit” than to “Starve the Flesh.” Much, much easier.
It is always easier to “Feed the Spirit” than to “Starve the Flesh.” Much, much easier.
A GAME-CHANGING BOOK HAS ARRIVED
In A Way of Escape, readers learn how to build a zero-shame, easier-to-successfully-navigate, escape-without-accountability, wholly Spirit-powered Battle Plan. Readers learn how to overcome the flesh—not by starving the flesh—but by stepping up the degree to which they “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16). They learn how to build a library of Spirit-anointed, flesh-diffusing apps. Apps that are uniquely fitted to them, and their unique Spirit-filling triggers (Ephesians 5:18b-19).
I say then,Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).
The still-struggling 83% now have another option. The still-struggling 83% now have fresh hope for discovering that long-sought-after way of escape from temptation and resulting sin (I Corinthians 10:13). A way that—because it is wholly Spirit-powered—does not require enlisting the aid of an accountability partner or group. Truly, a game-changer!
THANK YOU, HOLY SPIRIT!
