Job 31:1 I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?
This brief passage of scripture teaches us of the commitment made by Job in order to cooperate with God in the preservation of a clear mind, not tainted by pornographic or adulterous thoughts. Any victory won by the Christian is accomplished in tandem with God, and thus calls for self-denial on the part of those seeking to overcome inherited or cultivated tendencies to evil, including pornography. We must be aware however that this problem is not only restricted to x-rated movies and literature, but it also includes lusting after women or men in the real world, a deep-seated problem that several notable Bible characters, obviously suffered from. Let's read:
1st Kings 11:1 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites: 2 Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. 3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart.
God does not condemn us for the sin that easily besets us, but He teaches us that certain restrictions on inordinate desires will need to be put in place, and maintained on a continual basis if permanent victory over this widespread sin is to be achieved. To begin with, no permanent victory over any spiritual problem can be won outside of Christ, and therefore it is very important, when trying to eradicate pornography, that we stay very close to Christ by abiding in Him daily, asking God for strength each day to withstand the forces of evil within and without. This is the first and most necessary step in overcoming any sin.
Next, we will need to close all the doors that we previously opened to accommodate the vice of indulging lust, by destroying all pornographic literature, movies, and dvds, in addition to avoiding all the websites that promote, encourage or suggest these evil thoughts. Also, all venues that are known to foster pornography in any form, by displaying naked women and men, must of necessity be avoided like the plague. Locally, these would include places like tootsies, and other more subtle restaurants like Hooters, which prey on the weakness of the carnal mind, under the disguise of culinary delights. These restrictions are based on what the scriptures teach as being absolutely necessary to the eradication of these and other related sins. Let's read:
Proverbs 7:24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. 25 Let not thine heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths. 26 For she hath cast down many wounded: yea, many strong men have been slain by her. 27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death.
Proverbs 6:25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. 26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life. 27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? 28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?
Another critically important point to note in overcoming the soul-destroying vice of pornography, is that it is essential to replace the evil thoughts and imaginations with that which is pure and uplifting, for if the chambers of our souls are left vacant for any period of time, debasing thoughts and imagery would inevitably take root, and spring into life when an opportune moment arises. God is much more practical in the instructions He gives us than many Christians realize, and therefore He bids us implement the necessary guidelines laid down in the Bible to avert as far as possible the snares and agencies of the evil one. Let's read:
Psalms 119:2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. 3 They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. 9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
Finally, it is important for us to remember that God has given to every believer, the power and presence of the Holy Ghost, so that every type of sin may be effectively, uprooted from our characters, but we must believe, and we must act on our belief, for the promises of God pertaining to victory are only fulfilled when by His grace, we make stern, well-directed efforts to overcome sin. And so we end with a passage of scripture which encourages us to keep our minds and hearts lifted heavenward throughout the day, and God will certainly do His part in sending supernatural help just when we need it most. Let's read:
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
May God bless us in living victoriously in Christ, for His mercies and promises are renewed to us every morning. "Good night" and God bless!