I had a reader of Words for the Day that wrote yesterday and is totally disgusted with himself because he is addicted to porn. He hates it with a passion and his email states that he prays, and prays, and prays some more, but to no avail. He asked for my advice, and I responded that porn addiction is a very common problem with hundreds of millions and possibly billions of porn addicts, many of whom are trying to stop. It is as addictive as heroin to many. However, there are many excellent programs for Christians to help with this problem. There is a plethora of suggestions and even a porn hotline and many other tools to help you. If this is something you are battling, Google porn addiction programs and find one you like and take it seriously, and do it!. One time when the disciples could not exorcise a demon and asked Him why they were unsuccessful, He replied that it was an especially difficult case that had to be handled differently than an ordinary exorcism. Porn is no different and you don’t have to fight it alone. There are plenty of support groups styled similar to AA and NA to help break that addiction. Take the steps necessary to participate and don’t be shy, others in the group are experiencing the exact same thing you are . . . Christ will help but you must take some steps yourself including installing software that prevents porn from being viewed from your computer.”
Sin begins from temptation germinating like a seed planted in your mind. If it is nourished and watered as you think more and more about it, it will grow and eventually turn into an ugly weed that cannot be easily controlled. Allowing yourself to be put in situations where temptation will overtake you is not smart. Prayer alone without action on your part is not sufficient. I reminded him of Phil. 4:13 which states, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me . . . We must step up to the plate and do our part. It doesn’t say that Christ will do it all for us if we pray, it states “I” can do all things and Christ will provide the strength to get us through it . . .
The Bible tells us with temptation comes a way of escape and no one will be tempted beyond what we are able to overcome. An alcoholic should not go to a bar while they are trying to quit drinking, and a porn addict needs to put porn blocker technology on their phones and computers and take other measures such as finding an accountability partner to avoid it. When I quit smoking cigarettes as a young man, I would go to places like movie theaters where smoking was forbidden. After eating I would get up and do something to get my mind off of it. Don’t just sit around expecting God to do all the work. Take action!
I read an interesting commentary about winning against temptation:
Fight – Wage all-out-no holds-barred war with temptation, this is not the time to be passive.
Follow – Follow the example of Jesus. Satan offered Him the entire world and He stood firm even in His weakened condition from fasting for forty days.
Flee – Do not remain in the presence of temptation. Find the escape route and get the heck away from it.
Fellowship – Isolation is the ideal environment for temptation to spawn. The communities of believers are, as a rule, a safe harbor. A fellow believer accountability partner is helpful, if not a must!
Coincidentally I received an email from a divorced bachelor buddy last night who wrote: “I feel like I’ve been tempted over and over by a number of things . . . sex, alcohol (someone keeps reminding me!), and money. He went on to mention 1 Cor. 10:13. “The passage that I really liked was “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” the part of the passage that really speaks to me was that he will provide a way out – Which gives me hope & comfort – Doesn’t say that he’ll pick the way for me, or even take that path for me – But there will be a way to avoid these temptations.”
We are all tempted. If we succumb, it leads to sin. Paul wrote I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Even the great Apostle Paul did things he considered to be dark sins. The flesh is weak, but God is strong. Rely on Him for strength and guidance but take action to avoid the temptation that rots away your spiritual walk with Christ.
Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.