This past Sunday, June 25th, I mentioned in the sermon that as many as 2/3 of Christians have had or are having problems with an addiction to pornography. That is a startling number! But I also shared that as many as 50% of pastors suffer from the same addiction! This problem, because of the easy access to porn through the internet, is crippling the church and severely hampering its mission!
I also confessed that I once suffered from an addiction to porn. Thanks to the grace of God, I have been set free from that addiction many years ago. But I know the power that it can wield in a person’s life. Maybe you struggle with pornography? If so, I want to give you some hope.
Like all addictions, pornography is a tough thing to break. It sinks its claws into its victim and won’t let him or her go, no matter how hard he or she tries. The draw is incredible. Very few people can break the power of porn addiction on their own. It requires a supportive community and the power of God!
The first step is to admit you have a problem.
From there, you must position yourself in a supportive, accountability group with whom you can share your deepest struggles and not fear that they will reveal your struggle. If married, it is very important that your spouse is “read in” to the situation and is a part of your accountability process. Beyond him/her, you should be in relationship with people of your same sex, who can love you through the process, holding you accountable. And then there’s your relationship with God; it must be strong and you must be willing to let the Spirit into every dark place in your heart. Bring it into the Light. Hiding your addiction is how the enemy keeps you bound. Only in the light can God’s healing come to you.
Over the years, I have had many men come to me asking for help with this problem. If there are any reading this who want to have a confidential conversation with me, I am more than willing! Just give me a call or stop me at church, or send me an email. I would be happy to meet you for coffee or whatever and help you get started or continue your healing.
There are so many stigmas attached to pornography addiction: shame, guilt, darkness, secrets, etc. But you don’t have to remain in the dark, and you don’t have to drown in shame! There is hope, and I am living proof.
In the Hope of Christ,
