On modesty when alone at home

[WalidSaladin]

Hi, I don't know in which Hall to post this question, so, Stan, if you can please move it to the appropriate place.

I'm a 26 year old (3rd generation - if that is at all important) Adventist guy and I have a question. For some reason, even though you don't know and this forum is practically anonymous, I hope that you will not judge me based on what I will ask. (Heart's pounding.)

Okay, so what I want to know is, "Is it okay for me as a Christian to like being without clothes in the comfort of my own home, out of the gaze of others?"

I've been struggling with porn and masturbation for a long time and have tried to give it up thousands of times, literally. Recently, God led me to a forum where that is the aim of the members, i.e. to abstain from porn and masturbation. The community has been really helpful and it's been almost two weeks since I started abstaining. God also led me to Club Adventist, I believe, because I longed for an on-line forum of Adventist Christians discussing spiritual, religious, and daily-life topics.

I cannot ask this question on the other forum because not all of the members there are Christians. (Maybe this confession of mine will help the Church to address this issue openly? God alone knows.) A friend of mine, who had overcome porn and masturbation, suggested that I be nude around my home to help me be comfortable with my body and to aid the dissociation of nudity from coitus. I researched the topic, nudism, modesty, and the Christian nudist perspective as well as the Adventist perspective. I also read the Bible on the issue and meditated on what God said through His Word. All my questions have been answered except the one I pose to this Forum.

If you would like to know where I stand on nudism and modesty, please ask me. I don't want to state in this post because the post will become too long.

I have to go now. And thank you for your time and input.

[olger]

I guess what you wear (or don't wear) in the privacy of your own home is up to you. It could be a bit unpractical to go nudist - but that's my opinion.

As to the porn and self-abuse, glad to hear of your commitment to stopping it. Just as they bring guilt and shame into your life, getting an important victory over them will bring peace and freedom. I'll be praying for you!

Sharing that secret part of your life is a great first step to breaking the power of guilt. We "CAN do all things through Christ."

Appreciate your openness. Give it to God each day, and thank Him for the victory He has already given you in Jesus. You don't have to consent to bad patterns, thanks to the power of God. Lastly, resolve any pride in your life, as that is a major contributor to the p&m sin. Also resolve any rejection that you might feel inside - by taking it to Jesus in prayer. He was rejected so we could be accepted in Him (Isaiah 53).

rejoice always

G

[doug yowell]

Nudism and modesty are public issues.They testify to one's spiritual experience. They were a part of my before-Christ life. The Bible and the presence of God changed my perspective. The Bible account simply validates the general human response regarding modesty (or vice versa).However, if your private dress or undress affects your battle with the other areas then dress like you would to go out in public. May God give you the total victory over the privately struggled with issues.

[Gail]

Thanks for trusting us with your question! I hope you can find a response that is helpful!

I'm happy that you are abstaining from this guilt-producing and time-consuming habit. Good for you! What I usually do when there is a behaviour I would like to change is to replace it with something else. I love to read spiritual books, so I tend to go there. But some other healthy interest will help form new thought and action habits.

Good ol' dgrimm- so practical!

[phkrause]

Welcome WalidSaladin to C/A, hope and pray you find, through the guidence of the HS, the needed answers your looking for. olger has said pretty much what I was thinking.

[Gordon1]

Hi Walid,

In those areas where we recognize a personal weakness, it's best to minimize temptation.

If I bought a TV, I could end up watching it.

If I spent time alone with other men's wives, I could get too close.

Remaining fully clothed may minimize your temptation and make room for more fulfilling activity.

[Woody]

Hi Walid,

In those areas where we recognize a personal weakness, it's best to minimize temptation.

If I bought a TV, I could end up watching it.

If I spent time alone with other men's wives, I could get too close.

Remaining fully clothed may minimize your temptation and make room for more fulfilling activity.

excellent advice Gordon

[Gordon1]

If you're into Ellen White , she wrote at length on social relations,

as well as this matter which she called solitary vice or self abuse.

I don't believe this is the core of the trouble, but only a symptom of our overstimulated stomachs and brains. Pornography is everywhere and the modern world is mad over sex, whether single or married. It's an obsession that fuels our economy and our lifestyle. Immorality and quick reward endorphins tend to rule, a bit like caffeine or alcohol, then disappoint until we seek another high. Car, boat, girl, etc.

SDAs as a group show little regard for the counsel on dress, modesty, social relations, courtship or marriage. To our hurt. We dismiss the advice and then wonder why our lives are disordered, instead of moving from strength to strength.

[Gordon1]

excellent advice Gordon

Hi Woody, all good things come from the Father of light.

We just repeat them imperfectly.

[LifeHiscost]

Originally Posted By: Woody

excellent advice Gordon

Hi Woody, all good things come from the Father of light.

We just repeat them imperfectly.

I happen to have a pesonal friend from and now back in Kenya,Salid. Not sure which specific area. He mentioned his surroundings as being in danger ofabductions by Al Quaida. Are you possibly near where he might be?

God blesses brother.

[WalidSaladin]

No, I'm in South Africa.

Thank you all for your advice and encouragement.

I have studied and prayed about what is written in "Appeal to Mothers", "Child Guidance" and other S.O.P. books and have done what she advised. But, I lacked some critical components: socialising with others, walking in nature, and talking about these pernicious habits with others to the edification of all involved. One of the reasons I will overcome these habits is to be a man of prayer and to help those who are struggling to overcome them. I cannot help if I had not overcome myself. But, those are all subject to God's will.

Jesus has been kind to me and so have you. Thank you.

May God bless you and His face continually shine upon you.

Walid

[Kevin H]

If you're into Ellen White , she wrote at length on social relations,

as well as this matter which she called solitary vice or self abuse.

Althought she sounds very conservative in today's world, Dr. Don Larson (the son of Ralph Larson) at Loma Linda has pointed out that when she wrote those things she was on the liberal extream, he would read to us passages such as from the New England Medical Journal and other writings of the attitude towards masterbation in her day, and they were much stronger than what she was saying.