Deal With Pornography As A Christian
With the taboo that surrounds these topics, it’s hard to find proper information on what’s right and what’s not, when it comes to porn. As not many are willing to talk about this topic in the open, the authentic information available is very scarce. But, let’s take a look at what the Bible has to tell us.
What Does The Bible Say About Pornography
The bible does not directly mention anything about cybersex, porn, or activities of a similar sort. However, it gives a clear view of how God feels about actions and activities that promote sex outside of marriage. The Bible also states that God is against every activity or action that can distort the view of sex in the human brain. Here are some excerpts from the bible that support this:
Galatians 5:
“The works of the flesh are manifest, and they are fornication, uncleanness, . . . and things like these. As to these things I am forewarning you, the same way as I did forewarn you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom.”
1 Corinthians 6:18
“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body.”
Matthew 5:
“Everyone that keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
Colossians 3:5
“Deaden, therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite.”
Ephesians 5:3
“Let fornication and uncleanness of every sort or greediness not even be mentioned among you.”
As per these excerpts from the bible, God views those who use pornography or engage in cybersex, phone sex, or sexting as being unclean, morally contaminated. Father Joseph Piper said, “If you practice these acts you’ll completely lose favour of god.” It is believed that images of immoral sexual activities can lead the human brain astray. Which is why it is recommended for Christians to engage in pornographic activities compulsively.
God asks us to kill our wrongful desires. But, porn does the exact opposite. It has an inflammatory effect on our impure desires and worsens them. This is why God asks us to not even mention these acts of impurity, let alone take part in them. According to the books of God, we shouldn’t for pleasure even mention immoral sex, much less watch or read about it.
Read About: Problematic Porn Watching Leading To Loss Of Sexual Appetite
What Makes Porn Sinful?
To put it in layman’s terms, here is what makes porn sinful according to the book of God.
- Most pornographic content you come across today often has the theme of exploiting, someone. There are heavy themes of violence and degradation.
- When you watch porn, you invest your sexual and emotional energy in it. This is the right of your spouse. By spending all this energy on porn, you are taking from them their rights.
- Porn is highly addictive. Watching porn release the same chemicals in your brain that you would be released from drug usage. This is why you experience a similar high when you watch porn. This can have an extremely harmful effect on the human brain and body.
- Porn takes your soul further away from God. The more porn you watch, the lesser your faith in God gets.
As per the words of Father Joseph Piper. “God deems anything a sin that tampers with the human brain and body in a negative way.” Porn is one such thing that can have an extremely negative effect on humans. The damage can be irreversible.
How To Achieve Freedom From Pornography
If you think porn is affecting your life, then it is never too late to take the right steps. Here are some tips to help you better your faith in God and push away all urges to watch porn.
Give God permission to work on your heart.
Don’t hold anything back. Nothing. No excuses. The most lasting change comes when God makes you Fully Alive – from the inside out. When He brings up something painful for you to deal with, face it. He tells you to do something, do it. When the Holy Spirit puts His finger on something in your life, let Him have it.
Don’t underestimate this step. You can’t expect God to set you free in one area if you are holding back in another. That does not mean you’re perfect in other areas, but it does mean you give everything to him; your time, your money, your body, your job, your future, your marriage – everything.
Become a part of the community
Shame thrives in the dark. Bringing it into the light disarms its power. You do that by joining with other believers who are also committed to experiencing freedom.
If you’re married, enlist your spouse. No secrets! None at all! But you must also connect with other same-sex believers who can understand and support you and help hold you accountable. If you have Christian friends who you can be open with, do so. There are tons of communities available both online and offline.
Block all entry points for pornographic content
This means you need to install a porn blocker and accountability software like BlockerX on your phone, computer, and any other devices owned by you. Unsubscribe from all porn websites, every provider you’re aware of. You are aware of how porn is coming into your life, block every channel that could bring you compromising content.
Sometimes just blocking porn is not enough. You might also need to avoid social media sites for a while. In order to avoid a relapse, it’s not just porn websites you need to stay away from. You will come across several triggers places all over the internet. One wrong click and all your efforts will go down the drain. So, it’d be best if you spent some time away from social networking sites like Instagram and Twitter.
Keep Fighting Spiritually
Finding freedom from pornography or compulsive masturbation is a matter of spiritual warfare. Jesus wants to set you free! And your role is to live out that freedom.
As father Joseph says, “Plead the blood of Jesus daily over your mind, heart, and life. You dare not take one more step without the covering of His blood! The enemy will try to shame you into giving up. By continuing to place yourself under the blood of Jesus and walking out His victory in your own life you are demonstrating to the enemy that Jesus has won – and that you are standing on His side.”
It’s Never Too Late
We all sin at some point in our life. Don’t be too hard on yourself about this. Beating yourself up won’t do any good. You need to figure out how to put this behind by building a closer relationship with God.
There is no sin too great that it cannot be forgiven by the blood of Jesus on the cross. The death of Jesus made atonement for every sin. You don’t have to live a life of guilt and shame. Christ was willing to settle the debate, and He believes that you’re worth it.
When we trade our sin for Savior, we trade our old lives and identity. Our new identity is simply: I am a man of God. I am a woman of God. Or even more simply: I am a child of God. You must pursue a true fellowship with God; the kind of relationship where you can go to Him when you feel broken, tempted, and alone. You can rewire your brain through Romans 12:2. You can break free.
Resource: The Truth About Pornography
