I could tell you about the alarming statics concerning the porn industry, but you don’t need to hear that to know pornography is a problem. I could tell you that it is an issue for both men and women, but you probably already know that porn addiction is widespread. All we need to understand is that porn is a terrorist that can subtly damage our most precious relationships.
How to overcome porn addiction:
Pray.
If porn is a struggle of yours, you’ve probably already done this. Keep doing it. Prayer has a unique way of connecting us to God. And being connected to the Father is our best way out of this mess. Men are wired to be stimulated visually, which makes porn a brain issue and a heart one. Pray for God to renew your mind (Romans 12:2) and guard your heart (Proverbs 4:23).
Tell someone.
Accountability is going to be a vital weapon in this fight. Even though porn is a problem that hurts so many people, it is also one nobody talks about. We have to tell someone. One of Satan’s greatest weapons is convincing you that you are the only one who struggles with sin. Opening up to someone else will help you make genuine efforts towards letting go of this problem.
There are plenty of resources to take advantage of for help: support groups, online and in-person programs, and even apps. To help keep you honest, there is software, like Covenant Eyes, that will send out an email of inappropriate websites you visited to someone you’ve entrusted to keep you accountable. Whatever you choose as your plan of attack, make sure it includes more people than just you.
Dig for the roots.
Like all addictions, something leads us to that initial drink, drug, or magazine. Think back to your first exposure to porn. How did it happen? What void did you believe it filled? Deal with that wound or insecurity head-on instead of allowing porn to numb the pain.
Identify your triggers.
You know the circumstances that send you looking for porn. Be aware of them. Is it a particular time of day? Is it when you’re feeling stressed? We have to understand our triggers to know how to avoid them or are prepared to fight when they arise.
Don’t give up.
If it were easy to walk away, it wouldn’t be labeled an addiction. This is a battle you will find yourself in time and time again. Maybe forever. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Just because it’s a fight doesn’t mean you can’t win.
WANT SOME HELP TALKING WITH YOUR KIDS ABOUT SEX?
Our friends at Proven Ministries have built a solid course to help parents create honest and biblical conversations about sexuality. They call it: The SexTalk. But, don’t let the name fool you. It’s not just one talk, but a series of conversations. But, hey, we gotta start somewhere, right?
WANT SOME HELP TALKING WITH YOUR KIDS ABOUT SEX?
Our friends at Proven Ministries have built a solid course to help parents create honest and biblical conversations about sexuality. They call it: The SexTalk. But, don’t let the name fool you. It’s not just one talk, but a series of conversations. But, hey, we gotta start somewhere, right?
You can eliminate porn addiction from your life.
Porn addiction is a problem that is eroding the hearts of men. If undealt with, it can become a toxin that poisons too many aspects of our lives. Do something about it today. It all starts with you; let these steps be your game plan and get to work.
Challenge: Seek accountability from men around you.
Like this post and want to write for Manhood Journey? Email me for more details.
