I thought I was free from this addiction, and that I could easily resist temptation every time it comes up, even after 4 years. Well...I recently fell victim to it several times. How in the world could I fall into it NOW? I thought resisting temptation would be a walk in the park after this much time. It seems that no matter how hard I try, I always fall for the SAME THING. I don't know. I just don't know.
I also struggle with pornography. Remember: only through Jesus Christ we can overcome this evil for I know that I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
This article written by Rev. Augustus Nicodemus teaches us how to avoid the temptations of pornography:
"We would therefore like to offer our readers some suggestions on how we can avoid what we call the evil of pornography:
1. Be careful with legalism. Paul writing to the Colossians says that the doctrines of men as "Touch not; taste not; handle not;... not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh. "(Colossians 2:21-23). The Word of God will not make us stay away from temptation, if not accompanied by a very strong willingness of our heart to abandon the pleasure that pornography possibly give us.
2. Avoid places that inspire sensuality. Once free from legalism, every man or woman should know your limitations and never prove their limits. We have to let die our earthly nature (Col. 3:5-8). Here fit the words of a Psalm: "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the wicked, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of scoffers": Based on these words suggest the following actions:
a) Choose the right friends. Avoid those friends who try to distract us, ignoring the Word of God.
b) Ask for advice with the Christian people, and not with the wicked.
c) To raise our thoughts to God. Meditate every day in His Word (Psalm 1:2).
d) Make our worship a particular God and fill our thoughts with uplifting things. In Philippians 4:8, Paul teaches us to think about "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honorable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. "
3. A change of habits. You must run away from temptation before it arrives on our doorstep. Follow these habits can be very helpful in time to prevent and get rid of pornography:
a) Early to bed, avoiding night television programs, which as a rule, have sexual content.
b) Stay on the Internet only as long as necessary. Do not spend too much time alone with the computer.
c) Occupy your free time (that include our devotional) with sports and uplifting.
d) Avoid engaging in any kind of awkward conversation (Eph 5.3-7).
4. Very important is to avoid radically access to magazines, videos, television programs and pornographic sites.
5. Encourage family worship. It is always good the family is united around the Word of God. This habit strengthens the Christian.
We could put here many other ways to help each one to avoid pornography, but the most important thing is to clarify that the root of the problem is none of these external factors, but the very heart of man is depraved and uncompromised with God, Creator of all things. The antidote is the confident faith in the power of the gospel of Christ that can change our character and giving us a new nature, regenerated and able, by God's grace, to say no to sin.
Let us hear the voice of God through the Holy Scriptures, and seek holiness offered in the blood of his Son Jesus Christ: "Having therefore, beloved, these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God "(1 Cor 7.1)."
Amen
