Drinking SaltwaterShembull

Day 2: Accept and Recognize the Problem

The first step in resolving any problem is accepting and recognizing that we do in fact have a problem.

For pornography, that can be such a difficult task because usually people are very private about their use of it. There is a lot of guilt and shame surrounding it, so we tend to internalize our experiences with it. This makes it harder for us to admit we have a problem because typically it is something no one else knows about. We think we can control it, so there is no major issue.

It is also now a normalized thing in secular culture. The assumption is it’s okay because everyone does it. God said not to do it so that makes it not okay no matter how many people say otherwise. He has very good reasons why we shouldn’t view pornography.

We must realize the gravity of viewing pornography. It has the same effect on our brains as doing drugs, and in some ways it is much worse. It releases unnatural amounts of dopamine that over time we need more and more of to get the same satisfaction. And just like drugs, each person’s reaction to it can be different. Some get hooked right away, while others take time. In any case, it eventually destroys.

So if you don’t have a major pornography problem right now, that’s good. Let’s kill it before it grows. If you do have a major problem then let’s reverse it. It is not too late, and you can get healing.

But first you need to confess to God what you’ve done and express how sorry you are. Ask Him to forgive you and lead you to healing. If you have a close friend or family member that you trust, let them know what’s going on and ask them to pray for you.