What does it take to break away from the bondage of sexual
addiction that pornography promotes? I
ended my last blog entitled “Sin, Suffering, and Sexual Addiction” with these
words: “While terrorism is an external threat from without, sexual
addiction to pornography is a threat from within. Like
other addictions, the sin of sexual addiction and the personal damage it does
can be prevented and healed. Restoration
to purity can be a reality.” PureHope is a non-profit organization
that tackles the pervasive threat of pornography and promotes recovery from
addiction in a sexualized culture. You
can find them at purehope.net/. Their insight into the steps
to recovery is derived from their thirty-year history in the fight. Here’s what
they say about steps to recovery* . . . 
(1) Acknowledgement and Confession – Movement to freedom begins with acknowledging that there is a problem and
honest confession. Confession to a
trusted, godly friend of the same gender is a start. Such a friend can speak
the truth in authentic love and be a continuing source of accountability. They can also help with disclosing the
problem to one’s spouse.
(2) Intimacy with Christ – God
is intimate and just. He is the one who
saves. He can heal and save with power
over sin’s guilt, power, and shame.
Experiencing a deepening, authentic relationship with God our Father
through faith in Christ is the key to overcoming addiction. By God’s Holy Spirit healing comes “not by
might nor by (your own) power, but by My Spirit says the Lord.” (Zechariah 4:6)
(3) Counseling –
Professional, well trained Christian counselors and Christ centered mentors who
have “been there” have helped thousands out of the pit of pornography. They are essential to rescue, restoration,
and recovery from sexual addition.
(4) Community – Jesus
said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their
cross and follow me.” (Luke 9:23) This
is not a solo act. It can’t be done
alone. Success requires fellowship in
community with others who persevere with us on the journey of transformation.
Avoiding
sexual sin can be helped through internet filtering software, being aware of
entertainment triggers, remembering that porn is a lie of the evil one that
ultimately destroys, and being aware of the camel’s nose of seemingly innocent
curiosity that can give the devil a foothold.
Avoiding the darkness of porn is not enough. Healing takes place in the light. The pursuit of purity means living in accord
to God’s design and his will for us. A
wholesome sexual life can reflect God’s truth, mystery, beauty, and
goodness. In Christ it is possible to
have a life of purity in the sexual culture in which we live.
Pure
Hope offers a four part message of hope in the pursuit of a pure life: (1)
Prayer cultivates intimacy with God including time in God’s Word; (2) Understanding by acquiring knowledge
promotes healthy discernment; (3)
Resolving to be healed requires perseverance in repentance and commitment; (4) Engagement
with others for support and accountability makes it possible to love others in
word and deed and to love and respect ourselves.
On this last point, remember God’s Word – “Two
are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either one of them falls down, one can help
the other up. But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.” - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
*This particular blog relied heavily on the
helpful literature from Pure Hope found
in Recovery in a Sexualized Culture, Pure Hope Coalition,
2013, and at http://www.expastors.com/how-many-pastors-are-addicted-to-porn-the-stats-are-surprising/
For more info, see: purehope.net/blog facebook.com/findpurehope recovery@purehope.net
No comments:
Post a Comment