Tim Challies asks the question,
It’s a question we should all be asking ourselves.
Instead of pointing at Miley Cyrus and railing against the world, we should be looking inward, pointing the finger at ourselves.
We are all guilty.
The price we are paying, the reason we are guilty, is pornography.
The War
The war being waged against us targets lust and desire as our current cultural state could be likened to the Corinth church.
In the past several years, I have personally counseled, confronted and discovered those who have given-in to pornography—as well as myself. The range of damage ranges from total restoration and victory to infidelity and divorce.
Like I said, we are in a war. We are to expect casualties, but unless we “rally the troops,” we’re going to lose this war.
The Fight
The fight against pornography has less to do with safeguards and tactics, but has more to do with a radical change of heart and mental shift. To successfully kill in this battle field, you must go directly against what our current culture trends to be “okay,” “normal” and even “healthy.” It is undoubtedly an uphill battle.
The cost to the Church has been great, it has been grave. Challies says,
“Solomon says that the young man who follows the forbidden woman gives away his honor and his time, he loses his strength and his labor, and he even calls for consequences to his flesh and body. Ultimately, he calls down public humiliation and divine judgment upon himself. I have been considering one of these more than the others: strength.
We have the better part of a generation of young men who are giving their strength to this forbidden woman.”
Despite whatever setbacks we face, we must march forward!
The Warcry
As I learn of another casualty of pornography, today, I let out a warcry. A warcry to anyone who is willing to listen. A warcry to anyone willing to take arms against this beast.
As I’ve looked through the many posts on ChurchMag, I am afraid there is a lack of posts on this subject.
That’s about to change.
I’ve heard one too many stories. I’ve seen too much destruction. I am now taking up arms.
Will you join the fight?
Say what you like in the comments below, but if you know of any organizations, tools, resources, or whatever it may be, that deal with the monster of pornography, drop a link please.
A warcry is a call to war, so we’re going to need some weapons links.
Nathan says
One resource you’re probably already aware of is X3 Church. They have great resources to learn about and fight against the destructive nature of viewing porn. If this is your warcry, then you’ll want to suit up with the necessary armor and weapons. X3 Church will help with that.
Thanks writing this article! I agree about the state of our culture… It’s on a downward slope that will only be changed by an inward move of God. Desires start in the heart (non-physical, inward) and mature and give birth to sin (physical, outward). Until He fixes our hearts, we’re not going to see much change.
Hang in there. It’s a battle worth fighting for.
Eric Dye says
Awesome. Thanks for the encouraging words and we’ll make sure we’ve got X3 on our radar of resources. 🙂
Barry Whitlow says
Excellent post Eric, please keep the conversation going. Although some will respond, this topic will be one that many men & women look at anonymously from afar. Purity in our sex saturated culture must be in constant process, and ground will not be taken back until the conversation comes fully into the light and is in constant process too.
Eric Dye says
True story.
Eric J says
Celebrate recovery! They are all over the world and it helped me see why I looked at porn as opposed to just a filter. As geeks sometimes we look for technological solutions to problems that are spiritual or psychological.
Eric Dye says
Great idea! Love this. 🙂
John Wilkerson says
Covenant Eyes is what I use and recommend. They have accountability and filtering tools for multiple platforms.
Eric Dye says
Yes, indeed! Great resource, thank you John!
Douglas Porter says
“The fight against pornography has less to do with safeguards and tactics, but has more to do with a radical change of heart and mental shift.”
This is exactly what I say everytime someone comes to me about trying to block things on their iPhone, etc. I agree 100%. Roadblocks are great, but not the solution.
Here’s one of our roadblocks: DNS tool called OpenDNS. Free. http://www.opendns.com/
On the iPhone, using the new iCloud feature to see what other devices have open can help, also not cleaning your history and allowing someone else access. I also have access to a few people’s App Store so they can not install apps.
Eric J says
Yes! It is about heart change and not having poor safeguards.
Eric Dye says
Dude. That’s awesome. I am an OpenDNS user. Helps keep the entire family safe, too.
Tom Jamieson says
Hey Eric
I’m part of a great group of guys who are specifically targeting fallen pastors over at http://PastorHelper.org
We are happy to help in any way that we can.
Eric Dye says
Awesome! 😀
Barry Whitlow says
It’s frustrating to think that the tech and media companies (like Comcast, Google, Twitter, etc) “could” but “choose not to” create a one-click filter for parents to stop all porn from entering their home. We can’t control what we can’t control, and so we desperately need tech companies to take responsibility in order to “protect our kids.” Young kids will get to porn, unless controlling it is as easy as putting a sharp knife out of reach. I believe this is the starting place, and that a grassroots effort that makes a lot of noise DEMANDING that tech companies (put specific tech company name here) PROTECT OUR KIDS FROM PORN. I don’t personally know enough about tech to launch this, but wish that someone who does -would.
Eric Dye says
This is why forcing pornography to use specific domain extensions would be an interesting solution…
Eddie Hanson says
I would like to speak with you regarding a ministry I am cofounder. Brothers e Redeemed Ministry is comprised of program material written just for men out of personal addiction. We provide real accountability with spiritually led sessions. God shows up every time and it is humbling to see lives changed. Please contact me via email if you’d like more info.
Eric Dye says
Do you have a website?
Eddie Hanson says
We do not have a website yet as we’re in the early phases with limited monetary support.
anonymous, please says
When I was growing up in New York City in the 1980s and 1990s, I, like many, become enthralled by rap music and rap music culture and ‘the streets.’ It seems almost quaint now, but looking back, I remember the hullabaloo over “Parental Advisory: Explicit Content” labels and have a memory of the Congressional Black Caucus demonstrating against some of the messages in hip hop music. None of that deterred me at the time from gravitating toward gangster rap, but, looking back, I’m glad *somebody* in power gave a damn.
Nowadays, the powers that be seem to communicate to kids that there is nothing to worry about, that pornography and masturbation are normal and harmless. I wish someone in power cared.
anonymous, please says
I honestly wish the Government had protected me from pornography with the same commitment that it protects me from heroin.