I know one thing: our hearts are deceitful and we are lured into temptation each day. We fail and we view pornography but we are afraid to reach out for help because it’s considered a “private sin.” People find it discouraging to go to others, including the church, because everyone seems to struggle with it nowadays. It seems like a lost cause, doesn’t it? Well, it can’t be a lost cause, because God is still on the throne and here are three things I know.
Rather than keeping it private, here are three ways to confront pornography:
1. When you fail, run straight to Jesus
He is the one you can go to when you feel trapped by pornography. God is not only bigger than this monster, he [also] conquered it (along with every other sin) 2,000 years ago on the cross. You will be pulled by sexual temptation. If you fall down in this area, go to Him. Tell Him you need his strength. Tell Him you feel weak, afraid and vulnerable and ask Him to help you. He won’t abandon you even if you are in the middle of addiction. He can and will lead you to freedom from pornography. Remember that it’s not just the enemy or the world that is trying to destroy you, it’s yourself as well. Your flesh is actively working against you. And the only remedy for sin and the misery it causes is Jesus. You can’t manage your own failures, so don’t waste your time trying. God has good intentions towards you and will untangle you from pornography.
2. Speak up
Talk about pornography with your spouse. Talk about it with your kids. Talk about it at Bible study and school. Take the mystery out of it and call it what it is. Flip the light on, and watch it scamper away under the scrutiny of truth and scripture. As you begin to discuss it, deal with one another with love and understanding. We need to show each other grace as we deal with this issue. Ask your friends how they are doing in this area. Keep each other in the loop and don’t act like it’s some secret that needs to be kept. It needs to be out in the open and confronted.
3. Educate yourself with facts
Research ways to protect your family. Get intentional about keeping it out of your home. Install a filter or use Covenant Eyes. Parents, be examples to your kids by also installing filters on your devices. Don’t hand your child an iPod out of the box without placing restrictions and safety features on it first. Install a router that blocks pornographic content from entering your home. Have family meetings to talk about how everyone is doing in this area. Don’t let pornography isolate a family member just because you are afraid to face it if this happens — years can pass before they reach out for help. Josh McDowell has amazing resources for families. I appreciate his voice in this battle. Go to his website, Just 1 Click Away, for support and education about the effect pornography is having on our culture.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33
