(Chuck Lawless) We’ve now finished another year—a year of victory for some and defeat for others. Like every year for the past several years, I watched in 2015 as more church leaders fell into the trap of pornography. I would love for 2016 to be a year with no friends falling, but I doubt that will be the case. Perhaps these proposed steps to win over pornography will at least slow the rate of failures:
1. Admit its power over you. Pornography has a unique power over people, particularly over men. I’ve previously written about that power. Until you admit its power—and the corresponding truth that you simply cannot break its power on your own—you’ll continue to live in defeat.
2. Recognize the potential cost. Think about it—for the brief pleasure that pornography brings, the cost can be immense. Marriages destroyed. Ministries ended. Children hurt. Sometimes, jail sentences enforced. And, for the Christian, a gospel witness harmed. The cost is simply too much for a few seconds of pleasure.
3. Refuse to blame others. I grew up in a home where pornography was available, but it wasn’t my parents’ fault if I made stupid choices. It’s not a spouse’s fault. It’s not the media’s fault. It’s not simply a response to the stress of work. If you choose to use pornography, take responsibility for your choice. CONTINUE
