We live in a visual culture, to say the least . I mean, "seeing is believing" and we are simply obsessed with image. With this idea we have then brought sex to the forefront of images and have tried our hardest to twist it and distort the original intent of sex.
25% of internet searches are for pornography. That is 1 in 4!! This is our world.. The sad thing is you don't even have to search for it to be exposed to it. Men, women, children, divorced, single, or even married are all stuck in this addiction. I was about 10 years old when friends introduced me to these images. It took hold of me and slipped lies and false ideas into my everyday life. After struggling with this addiction for years I hope that I can shed light into this darkness and expose it for the disease it is. Lets expose some of the lies that are tied to pornography. "It isn't real, so I am okay.." As you look at pornography and give into this industry you are only feeding it. The lies slip in and it messes with your head. This is a real woman, or a real human being on the other side of the screen. Somehow they found themselves in this "business" (if you can even call it that). Just because pornography is through a screen doesn't mean your mind doesn't connect to it. You are literally training your body for fake sex and a fake relationship that only takes and never gives back. "No one will ever know.." For many years I lived a double life. I went to church but was also drowning in this addiction. When I was struggling with pornography it made me a different person. I was distant, angry, and I had a very low self confidence. It stole my true joy.. It ruined my relationships and friendships with people I loved and it turned me into a VERY selfish and sick person.. Lies filled my head and I had very distorted and false view on sex. "I can stop whenever I want." For years I actually believed this, until I tried to stop. The truth is I am very weak and this addiction had flooded my mind. The enemy literally convinces you that your addiction is not an addiction.. Whatever you call it, it is stealing away a true life of happiness and joy. (Side note): It is stealing your creativity! You waste countless hours on these sites. It slowly ticks away the days and like a thief takes precious moments that could be spent on better paths. If you struggle with lust or pornography then I hope you are to the point that I was at. I was fed up and angry at the way I was living and truly just tired in my sin. And if you are reading this but don't struggle with it then that is truly amazing! I pray that you never experience it. These are some steps that helped me wake up and get away from this lifestyle. 1. Speak! This is a very dark and usually isolated sin. By that I mean we isolate and this struggle is usually a hidden one. I found true freedom in this fight when I started to speak out. I reached out to men who I love so I could be real with them. You know what I learned? It is such a common struggle! (But there is no justifying the sin) It just shocked me that so many good men have fallen into this, but have also been VICTORIOUS! So reach out and find someone to speak to about it. I encourage men to speak to men, and ladies go find some awesome women! 2. RUN for your life!! 2 Timothy 2:22 spoke into my life. "Flee from the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." The first word in this verse is FLEE. I don't know about you but when I hear flee I hear action taking place. I don't hear "sit there for 5 more minutes and see where your searching ends up." NO! Get up and run for your life. 3. Pray. You know, God could have easily taken this struggle away. Because He is able. But He is also our loving Father who doesn't want to just hand us everything. He wants us to fight and to work through things together. For me it took me getting down on my knees and literally saying, "God, I can't stop. I can't, but you can." You know it is hard to fight alone but if we seek God through everything it gets better! He is there with you, just reach out! 4. Captivate the mind. Take every single thought captive. Don't let your mind wander down dark paths. When the sin comes tugging at you wanting you to give in, DON'T! Take that thought captive and know that is not of God. For me it took me physically speaking out loud saying "get behind me satan." It may sound crazy but it helped! It is not an easy battle at all. But I hope it becomes an easy decision.. Someone once asked me "you know what is better than porn?" He then told me in the most serious tone "righteousness." And he is right! Pornography attempts to divorce sex from marriage. Our culture is taking sex out of commitment. Pornography tries to pull you in and rip you away. Do you truly want this screen, or do you want to love your family, your spouse, your friends, and those around you the way they deserve. I am praying for your battle and your walk. If you have any questions please do no hesitate at all to reach out. The link to my Facebook page is at the top and my email is [email protected] I love you guys! And I believe in you and I know you can quit because I know the God in you! Get up! "Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God." Romans 8:12-14
1 Comment
a
9/12/2014 08:43:35 am
Proud of you =)
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AuthorMy name is Andrew Berry! I am just living my life chasing after Jesus and trying to point others to Him. Archives
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