Can you continue to lust after other people sexually and still be considered sober?
Yes and No. Technically, yes, if your definition of sobriety is that you do not act out physically. No, if you are defining sobriety in terms of your state of mind and your progress in recovery.
SA’s White Book defines sobriety as “progressive victory over lust.”
I think we know where Jesus stood on the issue. He said, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).
Even if you consider yourself sober while living in a world of fantasy, surely you know this isn’t smart. What you think today, you will do tomorrow. Your biggest sex organ is your brain. So hold yourself to the same standard that Jesus offered. Don’t settle for victory over acting out. Fight for victory over lust.
Recovery Step: Rise to the standard of Christ. Measure your recovery by what you think, and not just by what you do.
