Last updated on October 26, 2020
Question:
Good day, sir,
I have recently been bothered by the huge popularity of pornography. I know it is wrong but that doesn’t stop it from being tempting. I accidentally stumbled across pornography, and I was unable to resist until eventually, I forced myself to stop. Honestly, it was hard because I thought I had the control to stop when I wanted to but I didn’t. Afterward, I felt so ashamed and dirty and was even afraid to pray. I’ve now learned that one has no control when it comes to pornography, and the earlier I can discipline myself the better. But I am scared because I don’t know how to and I’m afraid of suffering a relapse. I have read in Christian novels concerning pornography that sometimes people suffer relapses but it’s not the end. I just don’t think I’m strong enough and I don’t want this to become a demon in my life. Please, what do I do and how can I avoid such circumstances? Plus, what are the long-term effects of pornography and how do I face God again? I feel if I know what they are, it will make me stronger.
Answer:
Let’s straighten out a few ideas. Things are tempting because they are wrong or not good for you. Eating your vegetables with dinner is not a temptation, even if you are hungry for them, simply because you know they are good for you.
Yes, pornography is far too easy to access these days. But I would like you to notice how you deceived yourself. You claim that you were unable to resist, but you eventually forced yourself to stop. But that means you did resist. Thus, your first claim that you had no control is false.
Sins are hard to stop because they usually lure through offering something we want, whether it is physical pleasure or a dream we might have. By offering what we desire, but with the catch of sinning, it becomes a battle with ourselves
In regards to the effects of pornography, take a look at:
The great danger of pornography is that it trains the user to accept sin and it damages relationships by indicating it all comes down to physical acts instead of companionship.
In regards to getting right with God, a lot depends on where you are at. If you haven’t done all that God requires to be His child, then it is past time to get that corrected. See What Must I Do to be Saved? If you are a true Christian, then as a child of God you have the right to go straight to the Father in prayer and admit your wrongs. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).
In regards to making pornography harder to access, take a look at an Internet filter. It won’t stop someone determined to look at pornography, but given that you are determined to stop, it will give a measure of protection.
Question:
Thanks for the reply.
I’m rather confused on the part where you said I ‘deceived’ myself. Do you mean I deceived myself into thinking I was strong enough or deceiving myself into thinking I was not strong enough?
Answer:
Deceiving yourself into thinking you were not strong enough. It caused you to delay in doing what you knew needed to be done.
Response:
Thank you very much.