Help Someone Find Freedom
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Have you ever thought of yourself as the key to someone’s freedom? If someone you cared for was afraid to ask you for help, would you be willing to take the first step and ask them if they needed help? What if their bondage was to an embarrassing addiction? According to current statistics you have many friends, family members and co-workers who desperately need your help and understanding. Please read more…..
Today I am asking you to become the “key” that brings freedom to someone. I hope you will accept my challenge.
Our sexuality is one of God’s greatest gifts. In its purest form, the sexual act between a husband and his wife, is a selfless union of their minds, bodies and souls. They participate in the miracle of co-creation with God of another human life. On the contrary, viewing pornography is a selfish act. Porn viewing objectifies another individual for one’s own personal gratification.
Please, even if you have never viewed porn, read this entire email. Someone may need your help!
Statistics tell us that over 70% of men view porn and statistics also tell us that the fastest growing group becoming addicted to porn is woman. Porn is also a huge problem for children. One statistic tells us that by the age of 11 most children have performed an internet search for porn. Yet another statistic reports that over 50% of all Christians have viewed porn.
Pornography has all kinds of negative impacts on our society. It exploits the performers who engage in these films. It is degrading. Finally, it depicts sex in a way contrary to the beauty for which God created it.
Viewing porn releases powerful neurochemicals in the brain which act as a chain which can lead to addiction. Pride becomes the padlock that fastens the chain and prevents someone’s escape. Many Christians simply try to pray their way out of this addiction but prayer alone rarely works without other specific recovery tools.
Jesus Christ is the master key who can help unlock the addicted individual; however, you are the one who is being called upon to deliver the key.
Some of you reading this must admit that you have viewed objectionable materials. Have you? Catholic priests report that sexual issues are one of the most commonly confessed sins. The bottom line is pornography addiction is plaguing our society. This sin infiltrates all aspects of society: children, adults, seniors, men, woman, professionals, blue collar workers, politicians, even clergy and religious leaders.
Each new year I try to bring attention to this topic. For those who struggle with this, there is a hidden shame. Christians who struggle with porn are reluctant to turn to their fellow Christians for help and support. It seems that Christians can turn to other Christians for help with drug or alcohol addiction and readily find support, but porn addiction leaves millions of Christians isolated and struggling in shame alone.
What can we do to help? First, we can be aware of the prevalence of the problem. Next, we can assume that others close to us are secretly hiding their struggles. We can create an atmosphere of openness to allow others to come forward without fear to admit their struggle. We can provide non-judgmental, caring support and love for them. Finally, we can pray with and for them.
Psychologists and scientists who study the brain tell us that pornography can be far more addictive than drugs like crack. Once a person gets hooked, they can struggle in darkness for years. Some people drink and don’t become alcoholics, some view porn and don’t become addicted, others do however. As a result, the addiction can cause depression, shame, guilt, and marital problems.
Some Christians believe viewing porn is acceptable. If you are one of them, let me ask you, do you hide what you do in “the dark”? Do you keep your porn viewing secret? Maybe deep inside, even you realize it is wrong.
Let’s be willing to help others overcome this. Please be willing to ask for help if you need it. Christians with this problem want freedom. They long to rid themselves of this evil. Pride, shame and embarrassment have them under lock and key and afraid to admit they need help. They need our love, caring support and prayers.
If you have never viewed porn, count it as a blessing and reach out to others in need. If you are viewing it, take your first step to quit today!
Have you ever asked those you care for most if they struggle with pornography? Be bold and ask them. If you are married ask your spouse. Parents ask your children. Grandparents ask your grandchildren. If they do, listen, love and care! If your spouse is struggling try not to feel hurt and take it personally. Be there to help them through this struggle. It is an addiction and there is hope and recovery available.
There are many resources to help people with pornography addiction. Here are just a few:
- Candeo
- Reclaim Sexual Health
- Covenant Eyes
- Catholic Bishops address the topic of pornography
- Porn’s impact on Evangelical Christians
Heavenly Father, help me to be bold and have the courage to ask others close to me if they have this struggle. If they do, help me to be there for them as they struggle to find recovery. Amen!
As always, I love to read your comments below as well as hear from you personally by clicking here.
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