Accountability
Pornography is a difficult problem facing our society and unfortunately it has infiltrated the church. I am sure you have read the accounts of preachers and others who have fallen victim to pornography and the scandal that follows.
No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but
God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are
able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you
may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
It seems like we are all tempted, it is how you respond to the temptation that matters. God promises a way of escape when we are tempted, but unfortunately our gift of free choice does not always take us through the door of escape.
Pornography is a problem many men have battled for a long time. With the advent of the Internet, it has made accessibility to pornography incredibly easy and has now become a very real societal problem. As with all problems in society, many Christians also end up caught in the traps the enemy has laid to destroy people's lives.
It is important that we do not underestimate the destructive power of pornography. Like all sin, it starts almost innocently, but always escalates. One day you are browsing through x-rated pictures, and the next you are actually involved in a real physical relationship. One day you are chatting with someone, the next your chat becomes more graphic, and then you are actually sitting next to them. Like all sin, there is a seductiveness that eases you into it, and one day you wake up and you are in total bondage to that sin.
Is it sin?
The reason pornography is a sin is because God's plan for sex is only in the bonds of marriage with your spouse. Our sexual thoughts are to be only about that person God gives us to share our life with. All other thoughts are impure. Fantasies take our mind to places they shouldn't be going even if we never act on them. Jesus said, if you lust in your heart, you have already committed the sin of adultery. Is that a high standard? Yes! But God has called us to live to a higher standard; we are called to live above the low standards of this world. We are to find our sexual satisfaction in the mate God gives us to share our life with. That means very simply, if you are not married, you need to keep your thoughts pure and save not only your body, but your mind for the one God has for your life. If you are married, your sexual thoughts and activities are to be only with your husband or wife. Anything else is not God's plan and is sin. Pornography in any amount is destructive to a marriage, there is to be no compromise.
For those who have been exposed in the past to pornography, the key is to "renew your mind" with the Word of God.
Casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against
the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the
obedience of Christ
2 Corinthians 10:5
Of course, there are those who are currently involved in pornography at some level and find themselves in bondage. Before you can get victory over it, you have to want to quit. Once you get to that point, you must realize it is a battle. Like any battle, to see victory you need a battle plan. You need at least one person in your life to be accountable to. You need the strength each day only the Lord can give you. There is victory over pornography just like any other sin, if you really want victory. The most important thing to know is that there is help available.
We have a confidential men's group that meets specifically to deal with this issue. The enemy is a master at condemning those caught in the web of pornography by making them think no one can understand what they are going through, or by making them think they are the only one with the problem. There are many men in the church that have found freedom from pornography. If you struggle with pornography understand that you are not alone in your struggle and when you ask, help is available and your confidentiality is assured. The assistance program at Calvary Christian Fellowship is staffed by some of the many men who have found freedom from pornography and want to help others find that same freedom for themselves. If you have questions please send an e-mail to info@ccftmen.com
If you are looking for help but don't feel comfortable talking to another person, we highly recommend the Setting Captives Free program online at www.settingcaptivesfree.com This comprehensive, biblically based, on-line program provides a daily Bible study as well as a mentor to help you through your struggle.
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