A matter of belief…this is what pornography comes down to. With grace, Seth points us to truth on how we can help our kids win over the sin of viewing pornography. Spoiler alert: The answer is pursuing Christ.

Scripture

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 4:8

Reflect

Over the past two weeks I have been painfully and personally reminded of the dangers of pornography. I have witnessed two different episodes of friends who have struggled with the sin succumb to it in their adult lives.  Pornography is so prevalent in our culture and it is so incredibly accessible it must be a topic of conversation in our homes as kids mature. The issue is further compounded by our culture which seems to think that nudity and pornography are the norm. But this issue is one of belief.  What do we believe about pornography and do we believe that the dangers are very real?

1. Pornography isn’t loving. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” – 1 John 4:10.  The love of God is sacrificial in nature and when one chooses to view pornography they are dishonoring, demeaning and devaluing those who are naked.
2. Pornography isn’t God’s expressed will for us. “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable” – 1 Thessalonians 4:3-4. Reading through the Bible it is amazing how much this topic is brought up.  God knows that our sexual purity is important. He also knows that it is under attack and so He is constantly warning His people to flee sexual immorality and pursue righteousness.
3. Pornography isn’t real.  It just isn’t. It is a dream, a fantasy. Pornography teaches the body to buy into and believe in fantasy. It trains the flesh to crave and long for things that do not exist or at least do not exist outside of a high functioning marriage. Intimacy with a spouse is hard work and takes much more time and effort then clicking a mouse and perusing a website.  Pornography trains the body to expect immediate sexual gratification in a relational vacuum.
4. Stopping pornography is not the goal, being more like Christ is. “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 2:22. What are we pursuing? In the Christian life we don’t only flee from sin, but we go towards Christ. It is in Him where peace and power over sin is found. When we grow closer to Christ we will see our appetite for sin (any sin) diminish.

We live out what we truly believe and pornography is a belief issue. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

Click here for some great articles on this topic.

Camper Corner

To what length will you go to to pursue Christ…even in the darkest areas of your life?  Jesus is the light of the world.  With Him there is no darkness. Ask for help today.