Stormproof Men IIIنموونە

Hurricane Warning

Hurricanes inflict damage in countless ways. The tidal surge, wave action, heavy winds, torrential rain, inland flooding, thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, and the sheer size of the storm wreak havoc wherever they go. 

In the realm of sexual temptations, what storm parallels a hurricane? 

Pornography!

Pornography inflicts untold havoc wherever it lands. Sadly, more and more in our culture act like those who refuse to take hurricane warnings seriously and instead sit out the storm. Some might be wondering, “How much nudity is necessary for something to be pornographic?” 

If our goal is purity, a precise definition is not required. The question is not whether material with sex and nudity is considered tasteful, or a piece of art, or hard-core porn. The questions should start with, “Is there sex or nudity?” If yes, the next question is, "Does what I view nudge me (or flat out push me) in the direction of sexual impurity?” Any storm causes damage, regardless if the world considers it porn or art. The question that matters is, “How does what I view impact what I think?”

To see the damage inflicted by porn, look at the difference between what porn teaches and the description of purity given in the previous plan: 

I experience purity to the degree that I make godly choices by avoiding all inappropriate sexual activity. Porn redefines sex, turning it into no more than a physical act between any number and combination of people. It ignores that sexuality is part of who the person is and not "just something they do." It ignores romance and tenderness. It ignores God’s design for sex between one man and one woman within the boundaries of marriage.

I experience purity… by enjoying appropriate expressions of masculinity. Neither sex as portrayed in porn nor the response of men who watch the porn fits as an “appropriate expression of masculinity."

I experience purity …by enjoying appropriate relations with the opposite sex. Porn is selfish and anonymous, not relational.

I experience purity … by glorifying God. Porn effectively denies that God’s design for sex comes from a good God for our good.

I experience purity… by respecting me. Porn dishonors the one watching by creating sexual memories within him, apart from experiences with his wife.

I experience purity … by honoring women. Porn dishonors women by objectifying and using them.

Ask yourself: Do I search the internet for porn? If so, how often?  (Be honest.) Do I hide my electronic device use from others? Do I spend money and time accessing porn? Do I purchase magazines or DVDs? Do I visit “adult” stores or theaters? How much time do I spend viewing porn?