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Porn

If you were to look up statistics on pornography use, one thing would be very clear: it’s everywhere. Statistics alone would say that if you are reading this, more likely than not you have engaged with it either intentionally or even unintentionally in the recent past.

And while research also shows that people increasingly have no moral objections to pornography, the wisdom of Scripture paints a different picture.

To be clear, sex and sexuality are not bad. They are things given and created by God for our good. But it is important us to know that God is either honored or dishonored by our sexual pursuits. As with all things, if we pursue them in a way that dishonors God and/or others, we fall short of what God desires for us.

In Jesus’ sermon on the mount in Matthew 5, Jesus describes looking at a woman with lustful intent as having committed adultery with her in their heart. (In context, Jesus is speaking about someone looking at a person who is not their spouse.) This isn’t about acknowledging the beauty in someone else. It’s about allowing yourself to become filled with sexual desire for them and even fantasizing about it in your mind.

Because of that, the reality is that everyone single one of us has sinned sexually. This is the type of thing Paul is speaking to in 1 Corinthians 10:12-14. It is so easy for us to assume that no one else struggles or is as messed up as we are. In reality, all of us are broken, and all of us need redemption.

Jesus affirms the Old Testament Scriptures in Matthew 5 by showing us that any sexual activity (including desire for inappropriate sexual activity) outside the bounds of a covenantal marriage between a man and a woman is sin. Porn, of course, is consumed with the intent of sexually exploiting someone who is not your spouse.

That said, the good news of the Gospel is that no sin is greater than our Savior. This includes sexual sin. Yes, we should pursue living with sexual integrity. After all, as followers of Jesus we have the Spirit of God within us. This means we are little temples of God’s presence in the world (1 Corinthians 6:15-20). As such, we should strive to live in a way that honors God and his presence within us.

But when, not if, we stumble and fall, we have a God willing to forgive if we would admit our weakness. Porn may have a tight grip on you, but remember; you don’t have to do the things you used to do (or are currently doing) because in Christ you are not the person you used to be.

Remember that secret sin will always keep you in bondage. We don’t need to hide from God or from other trusted people in our life. God is able and willing to forgive, and he often uses those in our church family/community to help us walk with him.

Today’s reflection

Secret sin will always leave you in bondage. If porn is a current issue for you, who is one person in your life you can be honest with about your struggle?