When something’s wrong but no longer shocking, it’s a lot easier to give into it. And since porn use it so common today, not to mention so convenient and easy to use, it’s lost a lot of its shock value. That’s why any ammunition we can draw on, to fortify us against making the wrong decision when the urge hits, is useful.
So today, if you’re one of the millions of believers who feel the enticement to use the stuff, you’ll be making a simple decision to either resist or indulge. To help yourself towards making the right one, try considering a few simple questions.
- Would you view this material, and stimulate yourself while viewing it, while sitting on the altar of your local church? Because if you wouldn’t think of doing such a thing inside an earthly building, why would you do it with your own body which is the temple of God?
- Do you think the woman in the video has feelings, dreams, loved ones, and parents? Because if she’s someone’s child, mother or even wife (and she is!) and if she has a heart, which she does, what do you think this film did to her heart, and why would you support that?
- How long will you enjoy this time of viewing the porn, in contrast to how long you’ll feel badly about it? Because if the length of time you enjoy is significantly less than the length of time you’ll regret it, isn’t that a rather stupid investment you’re about to make?
- God will surely forgive you if you view this, but does it matter to you whether or not you grieve Him and hurt His heart? Because if it does, is His grace something you really want to exploit, or something you want to appreciate by responding in obedience?
- Are you trying to give yourself something – comfort, relief, distraction – by viewing this porn? Because if you are, is it really so hard finding more legitimate ways to get what you’re looking for?
Know what you’re doing, and know you have a choice. And please – from all of us in the Body of Christ – make the right one.
Comments
Wayne | Jan 25, 2016
As always, Joe you're on it my friend. The few times that I've had conversations with people that have admitted their porn addiction, one of the common thread of thought seems to be: "how do I manage my feelings when the rush of desire to watch it comes over me?"
I think what you've written speaks to that question, and it gives hope that when these questions are seriously considered, they can be the tool that causes one to say "no" to looking at porn.
Many Blessings to You!
susanlkh | Jan 25, 2016
Some good questions to ask before participating in other sinful inticements, too. Thanks.
Ann | Jan 25, 2016
Keep telling us Joe! -I think for ANY temptation God not only has legitimate but WONDERFUL fulfillment to replace the lying counterfeit of bondage if we cry out for it.
Jim | Jan 25, 2016
I'm still working on other addictive behaviors, but I'm most grateful that porn never drew me into its terrible web. I grieve for the millions of people, both Christian and non Christian, who are in the grip of such evil. Porn is insidious, in that sensuality pervades advertising, magazine photography, TV programming, music industry - everywhere we look. I have to be aware of temptation when I turn the page of a magazine, and there's a nearly naked man. It's surely all around us, and is one more thing that grieves our heavenly Father.
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