While I was in Tennessee this past summer at Summit Worldview Ministries, a lot of important causes were addressed, but there was one in particular that stuck out to me. It was the issue of pornography. This is a problem that is greatly overlooked in society, but also in the church. This is because our society is very hyper-sexualized and the church oftentimes just does not know how to address the issue. Of course, there are also cases in which the church is not even aware of the issue. So, how can we bring pornography into the light and what steps can be taken toward restoration?
Here are some statistics first, according to CovenantEyes, we see that 3% of boys and 17% of girls have never seen pornography. Can we just pause and think about that for a second? That is such a low percentage of people who have never seen pornography. Then, to make it even worse, 93% of boys and 62% of girls have seen pornography before they even turn 18, that is before they are even legal!
Culture is denial on this issue and one myth that has surfaced is that pornography is not addictive. However, pornography stimulates the brain just as alcohol or drugs do. Once again, CovenantEyes addresses this, pornography releases hormones like norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin/vasopressin, and endorphins. Norepinephrine is similar to adrenaline, it tells the brain that during sexual arousal that something is about to happen and it needs to get ready for it. Serotonin elevates the sense of enjoyment felt. Dopamine causes people to crave the same sexual feelings again and again. Oxytocin/vasopressin sets long-lasting memories for the cells and binds a person to an object that gave them that original sexual feeling. Lastly, endorphins release a sense of pleasure over the whole body. So then, what are some signs of addiction to be aware of? According to sources, signs include; fantasy, ritualization, compulsive sexual behavior, and despair.
Which brings us to restoration, how can we help those who struggle or if this is you, how can you help yourself overcome the monster that is pornography? The first thing you should do it to tell someone. Entrusting someone with this may give you a sense of accountability. Perhaps, it will give you a reason to quit because you have people who care and want to help. Second, you have to change your environment or nothing will change. You have to bring good in and let the bad out. If the source of your pornography addiction is your computer and you keep it in your room, leave it in the kitchen or download internet blockers such as hedgebuilders or accountable2you. Perhaps, it is your phone so maybe what you need to do is delete the apps that seem to always be bringing you back to pornography.
Lastly, we have to remember how we are made. God made us the sexual creatures that we are, however, we must learn how to accurately expose this sexual side while still glorifying the one who made us. God has set a time and a place to display this. Pornography does not gratify God. As creatures with an overwhelming need to fill a void inside of us, we must also remember, how to do so. Do we fill it with worldly possessions, short-lived passions, and unruly friendships? Or through long-lasting fulfillment and a life in Christ? Our void can only be filled one way and that is through Christ. John 16:33 say this, "I have told you these things, so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have troubles. But take heart! I have overcome the world." How encouraging is that? Christ having come to earth and felt all that we feel, taking our sins on himself, ultimately to overcome it and the world. Why wouldn't we want to be a part of that?
