Help Our Brothers In Need

June, 2004

by: Dave Hintz

Late nights playing Settlers (an insanely popular board game), eating contests at In and Out, ping pong tournaments, video games, and small group are the typical activities of many a college male at our church. This fun–loving group of guys also love the Lord, love the Word, and love the Church. Yet, for all of their enthusiasm and fervor for the things of God, there exists a sinister sin which easily entangles them: lust. Nothing zaps their zeal faster than the manifestation of lust in their own life. As summer approaches and temperatures climb, so does the temptation to sin. With all of the billboards, television commercials, and skimpy outfits worn by the masses of teenage girls, naturally our brothers turn to the church seeking refuge from these solicitations to sin.

To a man, each would take full responsibility for his sin, knowing that it is he who has sinned against God. However, as their spiritual family we must make sure that church and church activities serve as a safe haven for them. We must sympathetically do all that we can to remove temptations from their midst.

So how can we help our brothers this summer? First of all, we can pray for them. Pray that God will protect their eyes from images that may cause them to stumble. Pray that they will have a continual awareness of the presence of God and see Him as their true accountability partner (Psalm 139:7).

Secondly, when planning a group activity, keep their struggle in mind. For instance, if you're planning a group beach trip, pick a sparsely–populated, family–oriented beach. Or if you are selecting a movie for group viewing, find out if there is any objectionable content which might place an unseemly image or thought in your brother's mind. It's better to watch The Princess Bride for the thirty–third time than to tempt your brother to sin (Matt. 18:6-7).

Finally, for all of you ladies out there, keep the young men in mind when you go to Old Navy, Gap, or Pacific Sunwear. Remember that clothing is meant to conceal, not to reveal. As you try on those trendy shirts and shorts, consider buying a size bigger than normal, or wearing clothes that do not flatter your figure quite as much as those tighter, briefer items would. A one–piece bathing suit might leave undesirable tan lines, but it won't sear your brother's mind (1 Tim. 2:9).

Another brother's sin is not solely his problem; it is ours as well, for the body of Christ cannot function to its fullest capacity if part of it is sick. So this summer, be mindful of your college–age brothers, as well as all of the men of the church, and support them in their fight against this sin.