We live in a day and age where the allure of sex is literally at our very fingertips. Smart phones allow men to access a vast array of pornographic material often free of charge that wire and work their way into the mind and behavioral patterns of far too many. God has a proper design for sex that is outlined in Scripture, one that places sexual activity strictly within the bond of a covenant marriage relationship. So how can men today deal with the pervasive influence of sex in society, ensuring they maintain a proper view of godly sexual relationships? John Freeman, in his outstanding book Hide or Seek: When Men Get Real with God about Sex, addresses this vital issue.
John Freeman speaks to the issue of sex and sexual healing from years of experience ministering to men who have fallen prey to the world’s false view of sex. Freeman speaks to this issue with great clarity, passion, and a focus on providing the reader with sound biblical wisdom. The statistics he provides on the numbers of men even within the church that are addicted to pornography were quite staggering and sobering. It is quite evident we live in a pornified culture, bent on twisting and manipulating what God created for enjoyment between a husband and wife.
This truly is a heart issue and Freeman does an excellent job of noting that fact. He rightly notes “Sexual distortion and sexual addiction do not exist because sex itself is bad but because we have put it in a place that God never intended it to be.” Many men allow the world’s perversion of sex to master them, which of course then results in the addiction being their master instead of Jesus. The good news is there is hope and freedom for those who have fallen prey to Satan’s lies in this area of their life in the finished work of Christ.
It is evident Freeman has a passion for helping men find victory through Christ and the truth of God’s Word. No amount of self-gumption can break the bonds of sexual addiction. Only the power of the blood of Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit can effect this needed change of heart. Freeman aptly states, “Without Christ, on any given day you’re a God-hater, an idol-maker, and a game-player too. It’s the temperament of every sinful heart. That’s why I need Jesus, not just to clean me up or improve me. I need him to do radical heart surgery on me…every day!” Such a statement demonstrates that fighting against the urge of sexual sin is a minute by minute, day by day battle that can be won only through the Holy Spirit renewing our hearts and minds.
In order to do battle, men must get real and must make an honest assessment of themselves. Many men who are trapped in the web of sexual promiscuity or who are addicted to pornography feel as if they simply cannot stop so why even try. There is a definite sense of hopelessness that must be addressed. Freeman saliently notes the need for confession of sin, stating, “Confession is always the beginning of repentance and change. In other words, you can’t have repentance and change without genuine confession.”
Freeman also reminds the reader this is an ongoing battle that must be fought. Temptation will come because the enemy is hell-bent (no pun intended) on twisting God’s perfect design, especially in matters related to sex. I truly appreciated Freeman’s focus on the need for community, believer’s gathering together to help one another stay on the straight and narrow, the essential need for accountability, especially when it comes to finding victory in this particular area. Freeman avers “we need a community to help us process our soul’s discouraging elements and learn how to live a life of faith and repentance.”
There is hope for those addicted to sexual perversion. That hope is found in Jesus Christ. The body of Christ needs to reach out to those struggling in this area, providing a listening ear, a sense of accountability, and a focus on community. Hide or Seek is truly an excellent book and one I highly recommend, especially to those struggling in this area. I also recommend this book to all believers so they can be better prepared to reach out to those in need to help men addicted to sexual perversion to stop hiding and to seek the healing found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
This book is available for purchase from New Growth Press by clicking here.
I received this book for free from New Growth Press for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Michael lives in Belleville, IL, a suburb of St. Louis, MO with his wife Erica, adopted daughter Alissa, two cats Molly and Sweetie Pie and horse Beckham. After spending eight years in the United States Navy as a Yeoman, he has been employed for the past ten years by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) where he oversees advanced educational programs. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Religion (Biblical Studies) from Liberty University and is currently closing in on completing a Master of Arts in Religion (Biblical Studies) from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary. He is an avid reader and blogger.
