Hello! I was talking to several of my Christian friends and the topic of pornography came up (I forgot how). A lot of my friends were talking about their "addiction" to porn and how when tempted, they can't control themselves and watch it right away. All of my friends dearly care about the Lord and we often have discussions about how to be the best person we can at the high school age. I have also struggled with this although my problem is a lot milder compared to most of my friends who said that they watch porn every day. I wish I could give advice to my friends but because I am also in the same boat they are in (the SS Teenager is sinking) I don't really know what to do. I humbly ask you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me and all those fighting (or attempting to) against the temptations of demons and post your suggestions/help. I can understand how this can be uncomfortable to talk about as it is for me, but please share anything you have. God Bless
I've dealt with it. Still do. However, profound meditations in scripture regarding the nature of godly intimacy and love (such as the Song of Solomon) as well as other principles expressed through both the OT and NT (I am still reading through the whole bible) have helped curb my appetite. It's more of the sanctification process. It was way worse long ago, but now I am finding it more and more burdensome in contrast to the true happiness Jesus provides. I asked God, that since the drama I had got in with my parents over the years for it was not affecting me because of my arrogance, that he'd talk to me about it and resolve it on a more personal level rather than simply someone else's guilt or shaming, and it seems to be helping me make progress. I love the book "Kept for the Master's Use" by the Anglican writer Frances Ridley Havergal (who wrote the hymn "Take My Life and Let it Be"). She mentions one scripture where the Lord says he will keep his promise to whoever brings something to him, and that the only reason that it hasn't come to pass is because we either weren't sincere, or it wasn't what God wanted for us, or that it simply hasn't come to pass. Great, classic devotional book.
I will pray for you my young friend, be assured of my empathy. Porn and masturbation can become a life consuming problem for some and Sex Addicts Anonymous helps many in this state. Yes it's a bad habit, yes it's sinful, however there are much more grevious sins which harm others and not just yourself.