Porn is a sneaky enemy, quietly wreaking havoc on marriages, families, and mental health. For generations, it’s been tearing through lives and leaving behind a trail of brokenness and shame. This is a battle that many people in the United States face at some point.
But there's hope. Being bound to pornography isn't part of God's plan for you, and He offers a way for you to fight porn.
How to quit porn addiction
Before going further, it’s important to recognize that your temptations and cravings are not abnormal. God is not against sex – rather, he’s against the lust of the heart and the bondage of addiction that pornography brings.
Pornography is a distortion of God's design for sex. Satan, in his cunning ways, has hijacked these natural desires, using them to break us down and get us addicted to porn. But through Jesus, we have power over temptation. In Hebrews we are reminded that Jesus is intimately aware of our temptations and was himself able to defeat them.
This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testing's we do, yet he did not sin. Hebrews 4:15
So, with Jesus’ guidance, we can stop watching porn and change our lives. Here are 4 steps to begin your journey of quitting porn.
1. Admit you need to quit
The first step on the road to recovery is to admit that you need to quit. It may sound simple or even obvious, but it is crucial to acknowledge that pornography is not healthy. It is addictive, it destroys marriages, and it corrodes our relationship with God and others.
We cannot be free from porn addiction while holding onto the belief that it's not a problem or that we don't want to stop. Take a moment to envision how your life and relationships would flourish without the chains of pornography weighing you down.
2. Make a plan (and stick to it!)
Step two involves hatching a plan to break down the habits that pornography has carved into your life. Identify your triggers and patterns, and then take deliberate steps to disrupt them. If you’re most likely to watch porn at night, for example, commit to go to bed earlier. If your devices are the gateway to temptation, keep your computer in a public place or don’t bring your phone into private spaces. If certain websites, social media apps, or shows tempt you, it’s time to admit you need to avoid them.
Jesus backs this up in Matthew 18:9 with a powerful caution: "f your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell."
The key to reclaiming control over your thoughts and actions is changing the patterns that your brain has associated with addiction. It can be hard to admit that we can’t handle these things, but eliminating triggers and temptations is better than being bound by them.
3. Bring someone with you on the journey
There’s a reason groups like Alcoholics Anonymous set new members up with sponsors – people who are ahead in the journey of recovery and available to provide guidance, accountability, and support. Bringing someone along with you on your recovery journey is key to success.
The book of Galatians reminds us that sharing burdens with each other isn't just a good idea, God considers it a law. "Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ"(Galatians 6:2).
However, there's a caveat: your accountability partner probably shouldn’t be your spouse or significant other. Your road to healing should involve someone who can provide accountability without themselves feeling hurt and shamed by your journey. For this reason, look for someone who understands your struggle with porn, who has fought or is fighting the same battle. You need a confidant you can be honest with about your temptations and setbacks, someone who can offer support and accountability without judgment.
4. Celebrate your victories
Our brains are wired to seek out pleasure and rewards – it's a big reason why we’re so vulnerable to things like porn addiction in the first place! Recovery is a lifelong journey, and we can quickly grow weary and discouraged if we don’t perceive a benefit from it.
Each day, each week free from pornography is a milestone worth celebrating. Keep track of your progress and acknowledge the wins, but also extend grace to yourself when you stumble. Get back up, dust yourself off, and strive to achieve even greater streaks of freedom in the days ahead.
Quitting porn is possible
Understand that freedom from pornography is not just a distant dream; it is a tangible reality within your grasp. Countless individuals have walked this path before you and found freedom from porn.
It will require effort and sacrifice, but it is possible. Lean on God's strength, for in him, you will find the power to overcome every obstacle. Our God promises that no matter how difficult the temptation, he is giving you the power to escape it and succeed.
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13
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As you embark on this journey of recovery, know that you are not alone. Reach out for support, hold fast to hope, and let the light of God's love guide you out of the darkness. There is life beyond pornography, and it is waiting for you to embrace it.
For further resources and encouragement, check out this episode of the LCBC Live Changed Podcast where we sit down with Rob Stoddard from Covenant Eyes, or check out these helpful resources:
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The Live Changed Podcast is produced by LCBC Church. LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Subscribe to the Live Changed Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts!