Recently I’ve been hearing of more and more churches offering small group settings for men (especially) so they have a place to fellowship with other believers who are fleeing from their addiction to pornography. The issue of porn is not exclusive to men; there are some women who struggle with it as well. So why is this such a big deal—especially in a marriage where both husband and wife consent?
As Christians we are to be sober minded and be watchful of the liar and thief which is Satan. In thinking back to my Marriage Series introduction blog, I share a bit about the correlation between the commitment of marriage and the holy covenant between us and Christ. Satan’s will is to destroy what God has made beautiful between a husband and wife by perverting it however he can; and he sure is crafty in how he does it!
Just like a serpent, Satan’s will for destruction has smoothly slithered throughout many aspects of our society. I’ve talked about walking in the mall and passing provocative store window ads that are considered by some to be teetering on “soft porn”. It’s not just in our malls, it is television commercials, and even spammed to many people’s computers!
While carefully researching the effects of pornography on Christians, I ran into some disturbing links. While reading the excerpts from some of the links, I found sites that were condoning “Christian porn”. Upon reading one article, I realized that those who really aren’t grounded in the Word nor have a good sense of discernment could easily fall prey to the justification of such perversion. The article (which I will give no credit to by sighting due to it’s unbeneficial and perverse nature), claimed that “tasteful” porn could be released showing a Christian married couple, no cursing, and no extramarital affairs with the exception of showing the harm the sexual affair could bring to the couple’s marriage. The problem is there are real people producing this garbage, recording the act of sin, justifying their actions in the name of Christ! Defiling of the marriage bed comes to mind here.
- “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.” (Jesus; Matthew 5:28-29)
- “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And not wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”(Paul; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15)
Please be watchful of those who justify sin. Know who your adversary is and how he works. You can do this by reading the Bible. If pornography is something you happen to struggle with, please know that the Lord really does want to set you free. What better way to overcome Satan’s temptation than to pray and get into the word when this happens? It’s the last place the enemy wants you to be.
- “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:7-8)
Scripture reference is quoted from the NKJV.