OVERCOMING PORNOGRAPHIC ADDICTION

Stephen Arterburn writes: 

10 STEPS TO OVERCOME PORNOGRAPHIC ADDICTION

 1.First, you must acknowledge the addiction exists. Many who are caught in the trap of addiction will adamantly deny the problem. He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion. – Proverbs 28:13

2. You must recognize that what you are doing is wrong. Addicts find a way to justify their problem in their mind. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. – I John 2:16

3. You must not blame others – “If my wife/husband were just more affectionate.” … “If women/men were not so seductive.” Adam blamed Eve and she blamed the serpent. Instead, you must begin to take responsibility for your actions.

4. Make yourself accountable to a spiritual authority, perhaps a pastor or mature believer. Everybody needs a “safe” person to share their struggles with. 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

5. You must recognize that “will power” is not the answer. At a weak moment, your “will” may fail you. By admitting that you are in need of God’s help, you open access to His supernatural intervention in your life. You must yield your will to God’s will. That’s when He can begin a new work in your life.

6. Study the Word of God concerning sexual purity. Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the Word implanted, which is able to save your souls. – James 1:21

7. You must destroy any pornography in your possession. You can’t wean yourself off pornography. Think of the hidden pornography in your home as a ticking time bomb that will ultimately destroy your family and marriage.

8. You must learn to flee temptation. Self-deception may enter when you think you can play with fire without getting burned. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it. Turn away from it and pass on. – Proverbs 4:14,15

9. Give yourself time to work through the process of recovery. More often than not, God chooses to take us through a learning and growing process, that can be very painful. Victory over addiction should be viewed as a marathon, not a sprint.

10. It’s cliche, but you must approach your addiction one day at a time. Look for little victories and rejoice in the progress you’re making. Recovery is a cinch by the inch, but a trial by the mile.

MY COMMENT 

Pornography or even the very act of  sexual acts must be handled radically.The most important point in the above steps is the actual destruction of pornographic materials.One must deliberately avoid internet sites that promote pornography and must learn to control the eyes and body in the event that one accidentally runs into it.We can learn from the life of Joseph in the hand of Portiphar's wife in Genesis 39. The man describes adultery as act of wickedness.He was a man that feared God and that was the reason God lifted him to the highest position in the land wherein he was a stranger. Friend, we must deliberately and practically run away from sins and such acts that may attract displeasure from our Holy God.It is far better if we are tagged 'fanatical' than to enter into eternal destruction in the end as a result of unrepentant living.I pray for everyone who may be suffering from pornographic addiction or who may have been en-caged in the sin of adultery and fornication up till this moment,May the power of the holy ghost present with you as you read this text break that chain now and make you clean indeed.It is done,congratulations.God bless you in Jesus name amen.