In “The Problem with Pornography and What to Do about It” Episode #063, Meredith Curtis talks about the elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about but is destroying the hearts of minds of Christians across the world. She addresses the problem with pornography and why it brings devastation. She reveals how to experience freedom and where to go for help—no matter how young or old you are. This is a problem that both parents and teens can face. Meredith also gives parents some practical advice on what to do and say if your son or daughter is indulging in, or addicted to, pornography.
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Show Notes:
Our culture is inundated with pornography.
How Pornography has changed.
God has a beautiful plan for nudity and sex–between a husband and wife. Sex outside marriage is sin and so is lust. God commands women to dress modestly so that they will not stir up lust in the men around them.
In contrast, we are surrounded with so much pornography that we do not notice it. We watch opening scenes of favorite shows that show women dressed immodestly and pole dancing. Popular movies show nudity and sex scenes without shame. Does all of this harm us?
Yes, it does. Pornography harms its viewers, but harms our culture as well.
Sex is Removed from Love & Commitment
Our Creator designed sex as an expression of love inside a committed relationship. Instead of desire stirring up toward his wife, a man is aroused by watching a girl he doesn’t know. Sex is no longer something sacred and beautiful.
“It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit,” (I Thessalonians 4:3-8 NIV ©1984).
Women Lose Their Value
In pornography, women exist to please men. They have no needs, they don’t get pregnant. But, that young woman that is being lusted after is someone’s daughter. She is made in the image of God and has value. She is not an object to desire, but a woman to be loved and cherished.
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church,” (Ephesians 5:25-29 NIV ©1984).
Women Try to Be Pornography
As women lose their value in our culture, the only way young girls believe they can get attention from boys is to be pornography. As a result, young girls and older ladies wear skimpy, tight clothing designed to stir up lust in guys. However, God’s word mentions modesty and propriety.
“I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety,”(I Timothy 2:9a NIV ©1984).
Pornography is Addiction
Once you start looking at pornography, it is hard to stop because pornography is addictive. Like drugs, pornography gives temporary pleasure and, for many, freedom from the pain of their dismal life. Unfortunately, as all addicts know, it eventually takes more and more to achieve the same effect.
Pornography Changes You
Pornography is evil and the evil eventually resides in the watcher. A pornography viewer eventually becomes a different person.
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them,” (Ephesians 5:3-7 NIV ©1984).
Good News about Pornography Addiction
The good news is that Jesus Christ is the Bondage Breakers, the One who brings freedom from all addictions. His death on the cross paid the penalty for your sin of pornography. His grace provides freedom to say no to ungodly lusts and to say “YES!” to living a holy life for the glory of Christ.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery,” (Galatians 5:1 NIV ©1984).
If You are Addicted to Pornography
Shame often accompanies pornography, tying us up in knots so that it is hard to talk about it with anyone or to get help.
First, come clean with the Lord. Ask Him to set you free. Ask him to cleanse your heart and fill Him with passion for him.
Worship & Idolatry.
If you would like to experience freedom from pornography, I also recommend that you talk to your pastor or strong Christian friend.
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much,” (James 5:16 NASB).
If You Discover Your Teen is Addicted to Pornography
Stay CALM.
Be loving and CALM and set an environment of safety for your child to talk to you opening and honestly. Lust and pornography is a huge problem in our day.
Offer hope.
Pray with him or her. Look at verses in Scripture.
Make changes to the computer. Lock things down. Bring the computers into open areas of the home—for everyone.
Covenant Eyes: http://www.covenanteyes.com/
Integrity Online: http://www.integrity.com/
“Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 2:1-3 NASB).
You can live free from Pornography!
We’d like to thank our Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network sponsor, Like Arrows!
FamilyLife’s first feature film LIKE ARROWS, explores the joys and heartaches of parenting with a story that spans over 50 years. Join us in theaters across America for a special 2 night showing of LIKE ARROWS followed by exclusive after-show content with the film-makers, including celebrated faith-based film-makers Alex and Stephen Kendrick as well as FamilyLife Today’s Dennis and Barbara Rainey and Bob Lepine. You’ll leave encouraged and equipped with powerful next steps to make Christ the center of YOUR parenting.
LIKE ARROWS will be in theaters for two nights only, MAY 1ST and 3RD. To view the trailer and find theater info, visit the link below. If you missed the movie in theatres be sure to check out the Digital, DVD and Blueray versions on the website, LikeArrowsMovie.com
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DISCLAIMER: WE DEAL WITH MATURE TOPICS ON THIS EPISODE. DECIDE IF YOUR LITTLE ONES SHOULD LISTEN ALONG.
