The War on Porn
Pornography has become increasingly prevalent and available since the early 1950s when Playboy magazine first forced its way into the mainstream.
Sadly, those who have opposed the spread of porn during this time have been defeated at every turn. Efforts to eliminate adult bookstores, adult movie theatres, adult movie rentals and adult cable stations have all failed.
With porn now available on every screen and some sort of screen available to every person, we can fairly say that the war is now over. All attempts to block the flood of porn have failed. We have lost the war on porn.
The New Objective
In the face of failure, the goals have changed. Now, the objective is to stop Christians from viewing porn. Notably, the SBC denomination has launched a high profile “War on Porn” including the call to join “one million men” in the “daily struggle” to become “porn free.”
The problem of porn use cannot be ignored nor can the damage be overstated. Ruined marriages, shattered families, ship-wreaked careers, exploitation of women and children, escalating perverse behaviors and abandonment of traditional values are all undeniable outcomes.
It is the Wrong War to Fight
Nevertheless, the “War on Porn”—however we define it—is the wrong war to fight. Our real enemy is not merely porn—it is lust. It is lust that “wars against the soul,” (1 Peter 2:11).
Sexual desires are strong and present in every one. If you fulfil these desires sinfully by allowing lust—adultery of the heart—to flourish within you in some way or another you will be in no shape to resist porn or other temptations that will increasingly confront you.
The War against Lust is Winnable
We live in a cesspool and it is not going to get better. Our job is not to clean up the cesspool. Our job is to show that we can live holy and pure lives in spite of the cesspool we live in. In fact, attempts to fight porn will seem pointless and hypocritical if those leading the fight are unable to gain victory over lust.
Thankfully, once you overcome lust porn loses its power. You know that this has happened when you find yourself consistently recoiling from all manner of temptations to lust—not just porn.
In terms of families and churches, the battle against lust can only be won by demonstrating victory and systematically teaching what Jesus taught. Lust is not a mystery and it can be overcome. It is the real war—one that we can win.
Porn fueled lust is a darkening shadow. However, we are the light of the world. As we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh and those in darkness will be drawn to the light. Our Savior will set prisoners free and the gates of Hell will not prevail.
Excellent article. I especially liked the focus on teaching what Jesus taught. Recently I was teaching a Bible College class on sin and lust. During the class interaction I was struck with how relevant this topic is for the students on a daily basis. Fortunately we were also comparing the topic with how Jesus Himself fought temptation in Matthew 4:1-11. It gave real hope to the students as we saw that Jesus fought by quoting the Scriptures whenever He was tempted. Finding relevant passages of Scriptures for your area of weakness, memorizing them, and then quoting them when in the throes of temptation is a key to overcoming! Engaging in battle then has to include not only teaching what Jesus taught, but also fighting as Jesus fought!
I always appreciate your comments and insights. Your blog post overlaps my devotional reading today.I have been reading some of Charles Finney’s compiled teachings and his chapter, How to Overcome Sin, reminded me of your instruction. Check it out http://www.ccel.org/ccel/finney/power.pdf, Chapter 10.
Thank you for this link. Reading what Finney wrote became the basis for the most recent blog post that I posted today.
Hey! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my
old room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to
him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks
for sharing!
Keep this going please, great job!