Pornography can be described as visual images, writing, or speech that’s used for the purpose of arousing lustful sexual desires. It ranges from suggestive photos and writing to the most grotesquely immoral and obscene materials. The Internet has made pornography easily accessible to anyone and it’s often imposed upon unsuspecting Web users.
Pornography users may begin to prefer their fantasy to reality, cheating their spouses of intimacy and respect with this form of adultery. It robs spouses of attention and replaces the spouse’s image with that of another. Single people may argue that viewing pornography is not sinful for them since a spouse is not affected. But, the Bible makes it clear that lust has no place in a godly life and dishonors God’s gift of sexuality.
God designed your sexuality for your good, and the parameters He gives for your sexuality are also for your good. Romans 8:13 says, “For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.” (NIV)
THE DECEPTION OF PORNOGRAPHY
“I will set before my eyes no vile thing. The deeds of faithless men I hate; they will not cling to me.” (Psalm 101:3, NIV)
Pornography’s vivid descriptions are a fantasy. It doesn’t enhance natural sexual appetites or satisfaction, but rather desensitizes them. Pornography diverts sex from God’s intended plan…a man and a woman becoming “one flesh” in marriage.
Use of pornography is often an attempt to heal wounds caused by abuse, loneliness, rejection, isolation, or the pain of being unable to measure up to expectations. However, the lust that pornography fosters warps your perception of yourself and your sexuality. Your self-respect plummets while your guilt escalates. Normal marital relationships often dissolve through disinterest or conflict because of pornography. For some users, pornography leads to deviant sexual behavior. What begins as a “simple” incursion into the fantasy world of pornography can lead to degrading obsession and sexual addiction. “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” (Galatians 5:17, NIV)
Many who view pornography rationalize that there’s no harm in their behavior since there’s no physical contact, but lust disrespects another person and reduces him or her to a sexual object, not a human being created in the image of God. Jesus 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, NIV)
SEXUAL ADDICTION
“If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work. Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:21-22)
The Apostle Paul instructed the young disciple Timothy to cleanse himself from dishonor and call on the Lord out of a pure heart. As with drugs or alcohol, prolonged and uncontrolled use of pornography has a degenerative and progressive effect on your mind and morals. Yet, escaping its clutches is possible with God’s help through the power of His Holy Spirit. The only way to have access to this power is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. If you’ve never accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, see “Peace” under the “How to” heading.
BREAKING FREE FROM PORNOGRAPHY
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13, NIV)
Pornography is often an attempt to solve your problems of loneliness, isolation, pain, or guilt. It’s an attempt to play God, creating your own world through fantasy. Jesus bore your sins and your sorrows. You must cast all your worries and cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7). God wants to help you break free from this struggle.
If you’re using pornography, face the truth of your sin. Don’t rationalize or minimize it; take immediate forceful action against it. This means to stop feeding the addiction…destroy all pornographic materials…immediately stop visiting any places of temptation, such as adult bookstores, video rental store, pornographic Websites, adult movies…even mainstream movies, plays, novels, or television shows that stir up temptation. Sever any relationships that have encouraged your use of pornography and avoid situations where you might be tempted.
RENEWED PURITY
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Psalm 51:10-12)
Purity and holiness are found by submitting to Christ’s lordship through the disciplines of daily prayer, Bible study, involvement in a Bible-teaching church, and a commitment to renewing your mind.
Begin a serious effort to build a God-honoring life. This begins with confession and repentance. Confess any known sin in your life to God daily. (1 John 1:7-9) Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any unconfessed sin to you, as well. Meditate on all of Psalm 51, a psalm of repentance.
Finally, set up a network of accountability subjecting yourself to a mature Christian or group of Christians to whom you can report regularly on your spiritual progress and victories or defeats in this area. You may also need the help of a Christian psychologist or psychiatrist.
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