The Destructive grip of Sin (Pornography)

by Shawn Thrasher

One of the biggest battles these days for Christians and unbelievers is the battle of Pornography. Be it Internet pornography, magazine, strip clubs etc. Men and women alike have fallen prey to this monster. What is most surprising about this great battle is the number of Christians who are involved in this sin. The numbers are overwhelming. Here are some statistics for you: 50% of Christian men and 20% of Christian women admit that they are addicted to pornography. (Christiannet.com 6.6.07) 51% of pastors say cyber porn is a possible temptation, 37% say it is a current struggle. (Christianity Today Leadership Survey, December 2001) Of Promise Keepers, 53% viewed pornography in the last week. (Internet Filter Review, 2006). 40 million Adults in the U.S. regularly visit porn sites on the internet. (Internet Filter Review) At 13.3 billion, the 2006 revenues of the sex and porn industry in the U.S. are bigger than the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball combined. (Internet Filter Review) 60% of all website visits are sexual in nature. (NSNBC Survey 2000) 47% of families said pornography is a problem in their home. (Focus on the Family Poll, October 1, 2003)

I would like to say whether you be single or married this is an issue you want to lay before the Lord and ask Him to help you to overcome. Pornography destroys in several ways: 1) Pornography gives you a false idea of what sex with your marriage partner is supposed to be like. 2) It can distort your view of men and women causing you to think of them only in perverse sexual ways and or just objects of desire. 3) Pornography can destroy a healthy sexual appetite. 4) Pornography transcribes its ugly images in the museum of your mind and will cause you to reflect on these images. 5) Pornography destroys the family.(causes you to live secretly and suspiciously) 6) Destroys your inter and intra-personal skills. (Not able to properly relate to men or women).

I recommend that if you are married or single that your computer be placed in the open somewhere where everybody can see. I also recommend an accountability partner who you trust to be blunt in asking you the deep personal questions about how you are living your life. I also recommend computer programs like the one I use called B-safe. B-safe blocks all xxx rated sites and monitors IMing to keep a record of chatting and blocks illicit conversations and language. Covenant Eyes is another program that can block pornography. There are also two books that I strongly recommend that we as Christians read for help for ourselves and equipping us to help others with this struggle. Every Mans Battle by Steve Arterburn and Every Woman's Battle by Shannon Ethridge.

Living righteously pleases God and gives us a great personal testimony when we witness and evangelize for the Lord. How we live privately is how we should live publicly. Sinners can spot a hypocrite 100 miles away.

I would like to leave you with a few scriptures and a video that displays a Pastor overcoming the grip of pornography.

Ephesians 5:11- Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them;

Mark 4:22- "For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it will come to light