BY: Steve McGill
Pornography is a pernicious evil that has become a plague on society. It may seem that the trend for it to worsen is too overwhelming to stop, and that may be true. However, we have the capacity to at least slow its effects.
Recently, I walked into a public restroom stall and was shocked to find a cell phone propped up on the toilet tank. On the screen, a pornographic movie displayed perverse sexual human interaction. I immediately turned and walked out.
I recently watched a short interview with a young man on a college campus. The interviewer aimed to point out to the young man that all humans have a sinful nature. "When did you last look at pornography?" he asked. Clearly embarrassed but without hesitation, the young man grinned and replied, "Probably like . . . a week ago."
An acquaintance recently told me that he was addicted to pornography, that he'd attempted to quit many times, but that he'd not once succeeded for more than a few days.
Our society is struggling with a deep-rooted relationship with erotica. Studies show that pornography is one of the most pervasive influences in society, particularly among males and increasingly among females. More than ever, access to pornography is simple. This simplicity has led to destructive effects, seen not only in adults but also in children. In 2010 (nearly fifteen years ago), anti-pornography campaigner Gail Dines reported the following:
Market research conducted by internet providers found that the average age a boy first sees porn today is 11; a study from the University of Alberta found that one third of 13-year-old boys admitted viewing porn; and a survey published by Psychologies magazine in the UK last month found that a third of 14- to 16-year-olds had first seen sexual images online when they were 10 or younger – 81% of those polled looked at porn online at home, while 63% could easily access it on their mobile phones. (theguardian.com)
Fast-forward just fifteen years, and statistics grow from concerning to shocking. Here are the recent numbers on pornography from gitnux.org, a reliable market numbers source:
• 35% of all internet downloads are porn-related
• 34% of internet users have experienced unwanted exposure to pornographic content through ads, pop-ups, or misdirected links
• The porn industry's annual revenue is more than the NFL, NBA, and MLB combined
• 88% of scenes in porn films contain acts of physical aggression
• 64% of young people, ages 13-24, actively seek out pornography weekly or more often
• The average age of first exposure to pornography is 11 years old
• Porn sites receive more regular traffic than Netflix, Amazon, and Twitter combined
• 30% of all data transferred across the internet is porn-related
• 40 million Americans are regular visitors to porn sites
• 70% of men aged 18-24 visit porn sites monthly
• 68% of young adult men watch porn at least once a week
• 18% of women consider themselves addicted to pornography
• 17% of all women struggle with pornography addiction
• 28% of 16-17 year olds have unintentionally seen pornography online
• 64% of Christian men and 15% of Christian women say they watch porn at least once a month
These figures point to a society that has become obsessed with pornography. And there is no indication that these figures will improve any time soon. However, it is the outcome of these numbers--the results--that should cause concern and, ultimately, stimulate the desire to act in some way that will at least curb the destructive effects of pornography. Boys are becoming increasingly aggressive toward their female counterparts. Young men are marrying at a considerably lesser rate. Churches are filled with more and more attendees who are "addicted" to pornography. Pornographic viewing is proven to have contributed to a significant reduction in populations throughout the world.
It's all such a downer, and we could choose to give up hope for a better tomorrow, but our hope is not based on what the world might or might not produce. Ultimately, our hope is found in the promises of Christ. At the same time, we are expected to do the right things. When it comes to this subject, consider the following actions that can help:
If you are involved in any way with pornography--stop.
While there are programs designed to help individuals "cope" with "porn addiction," the truth is that many of them are businesses designed to string the "struggler" along, convincing them that they have little, if any, control over the problem. This is a lie. The power you need is within you. If you are a Christian, you know that because you are a new creature in Christ, you've been given the power to overcome sin. We must say that God isn't enough if we follow the logic of programs designed to partner with a "struggling" person. We also must say that it isn't the will of God that we stop immediately because, according to those who run the programs, it is a process. In truth, God never approves of sin. Sin is sin, no matter when, where, or how it occurs. Instead of programs, stop now and consider making yourself accountable to a close friend or family member. Keep in mind, however, that the responsibility is yours. YOU use the power that you've been to resist. (James 4:7, Romans 6:14)
Encourage those who you know are involved to stop.
This is a difficult task. Discussing this ethical breach with just anyone is embarrassing, and we shouldn't discuss it with anyone. However, at times, an opportunity will present itself when you are clearly being presented with a friend or a loved one's plea for help. Be loving but straightforward with them. And instead of referring them to a program or a pastor, volunteer to be their accountability person. Tell them that it is on them if they decide to stop and then fall back into the sin. You will not stop being their friend, but you, at some point, will stop being their accountability person. In other words, make sure that they understand that you mean business.
Remember that you are accountable to God.
This life is short, and each day is filled with choices that result in good or bad results. When it comes to the sin of pornography, each failure to do the right thing leads to a kind of chipping away at the belief that it is possible to "overcome." With each occurrence, we've failed ourselves and others. In this case, I don't believe that we have failed God. God makes a fulfilling life available to us. When we fail, we fail to achieve the possibilities that God has for us. Worse yet, this directly or indirectly affects those around us.
Pornography is a huge problem, and we can quickly become discouraged about the outcomes and how it is and will continue to affect our world negatively. However, we are responsible for doing something about it, whether or not we believe our doing might be effective. First, we are responsible for our own actions. Next, we are responsible to help others when given the opportunity, and lastly, we should continually remind ourselves that we, in the end, are accountable to God.
James 4:7: Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Romans 6:14: For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.
Romans 12:1: I appeal to you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
I Corinthians 6:9-11: Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Proverbs 30:5: Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
I Corinthians 6:19: Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own.
Philippians 2:13: For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
I Corinthians 6:18: Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
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