"You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. Matthew 5:27-29
First, let's define what porn (or pornography) really is just so we are talking about the same thing.
por·nog·ra·phy
pôrˈnägrəfē/
noun
- 1.printed or visual material containing the explicit description or display of sexual organs or activity, intended to stimulate erotic rather than aesthetic or emotional feelings.
synonyms: erotica, pornographic material, dirty books
But, what about just looking? Is there harm in that? "I'm not touching anyone or hurting anyone right?" - oh haven't I heard that one before! A lot! That is something that is often used as an excuse but in reality, there is a lot of harm being done both to you and to others. Today, as we focus on the verse above, we see that Jesus tells us that even looking at a women in such a way is lust, which is defined as a strong sexual desire - many call it lust. When we just "look with desire", have we committed adultery? Yes, this "lust" thing was punishable by death. And Jesus does go on to say that your body will be thrown into hell.
Perhaps others don't know your secrets desires and lust habits because they are just in your mind, but Jesus knows and is promising that you will not receive the kingdom of heaven.
Perhaps others don't know your secrets desires and lust habits because they are just in your mind, but Jesus knows and is promising that you will not receive the kingdom of heaven.
So, how can that be bad? I'm just looking and not actually having sex. The thing is - as Christians we are called to also have pure minds. We are called to a higher standard. And so when we look at images, we create that desire in our minds and because Jesus tells us that even the desire is sin - then looking at the images is sin! Porn is this crafty medium that helps feed our addiction because by viewing these images we release chemicals in our mind that feed us pleasure - and therefore we seek more. And what's different about pornography compared to other addictions is that we can bring back those images in our minds at ANY point and get that high again. However, as all addictions go, you need more and more to get that same high. And so the awful cycle continues and grows. And maybe you act further on it or maybe you don't - it's still wrong and why tempt yourself!
When we accepted Jesus as our Savior, we gave up our bodies. They now belong to Him and it's our job to take care of our body. I'm not saying we can no longer have "fun" but there are LOTS of other ways to create the same amazing feelings that are good for us and pleasing to God .. it's our job to find them. That's why counselors, sponsors and accountability partners are crucial to have to recover from an addiction as they can help lend you ideas on how to create healthy habits.
The cost to a family or marriage is so high. I won't get into that because this is a devotion and I want to keep focused on God's perspective. But do the research to what watching porn is really costing you besides your personal relationship with Christ. It's a lose-lose situation no matter what.
Here is the great part about it all...when you decide to honor God with your eyes and mind and give up pornography or a sex addiction in any form, Jesus is waiting for you. He has been all along and he has the tools you need to break free from this habit. You can overcome and will overcome AND he offers forgiveness FREELY. Watching porn or committing adultery might cost you a marriage, relationships with others or maybe even your job, but Christ is offering forgiveness and is offering you a NEW life with one condition - truly accept his sacrifice on the cross and leave the porn alone. I just want to scream FREEDOM from the top of my lungs. He offers freedom!
