This is the fifth article in the series The Fight Against Porn series.
In my last post on porn, I mentioned a few different reasons why I felt porn is such a huge problem in modern culture. Part of the problem is the availability of it that comes by way of the technology we possess in our homes and in our pockets. This post is a clarification on that point by communicating that it’s not technologies “fault” that we’re so struck down by pornography. Tech is simply a tool that we use that can either bring glory to God or to our selfish desires. Let me explain.
Two Sides to Every Coin
I grew up in a very conservative Christian environment. I remember the Christian school I attended would bring in college reps that would speak in chapel every once in a while. They’d speak against things like long hair, jeans, and rock music. I remember one conversation in particular regarding music:
“Why can’t someone use a guitar to glorify God?”
“Because guitars are of the world, and we are not.”
“I don’t understand, aren’t you wearing a Ralph Lauren polo shirt right now? Aren’t they ‘of the world’? Why is one thing ok, but the other isn’t?”
The rep couldn’t provide an answer, but I could. It’s because inanimate objects can’t sin, but people can. Our hearts are deceitfully wicked. Your smartphone can’t make you look at porn any more than a trash can can have an affair.
Adam Ford’s wonderful illustration sheds some light on this point.
Why Use Safeguards At All?
I’ve asked myself this question a ton in the past. Fact is, if you want to look at porn, you’ll find a way to look at porn. Regardless of how much software you have on your phone, tablet, or computer, you’ll get past them and into fantasy if that’s where your heart is. My dad realized this several years ago. He told me “There’s got to be more to this issue than having internet on your phone. I’ve realized now that no matter what, you’ll find a way around them to get what you want.”
The reason I continue to use safeguards on all of my technology is because it adds an extra layer of accountability in two different ways.
One is in the accountability report that my family and close friends receive of my online activity. This means that there are people aware of my struggle that love me enough to hold me accountable for the long haul. This group of people is integral to your recovery, and I highly recommend forming this kind of accountability for yourself.
The second is that it provides a way of escape in moments of temptation. Sometimes that split second when you have to decide between indulging in selfishness or running from temptation is enough to get your head back in the game. I know it’s happened to me every now and again, and that’s enough for me to continue to implement the safeguards.
Again, I’ll recommend Ever Accountable to protect your Android smartphones and tablets. For your computer, I recommend a free software called X3Watch by the wonderful folks at XXXChurch. They even have an X3Watch app for your iDevices.
It’s important to emphasize again that even the safeguards won’t keep you from sinning. Again, that’s a work of the Holy Spirit in your heart and life, not the result of technological “sin barriers.”
How about you? Have you ever tried to blame your struggle on technology? Do you believe that sin starts in the heart? Why or why not?
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