Battle Plan Against Pornography
From Focus on the Family
Many men, Christians included, are caught in the deadly attraction to pornography. Barna says that as many as one in six pastors struggle with or are addicted to pornography. We can conclude, therefore, that in each of our churches a sizeable percentage of men in our pews on a Sunday morning are in the heat of battle concerning this malady. Not to mention the untold victims, wives, children, friends who are greatly affected by pornography. Bookstores, sex shops, TV, movies and now the internet are the primary vehicles for the filth that comes into our culture. Virtually everyone is affected by this evil.
Therefore, Christians must become involved in the battle against pornography (in whatever way God leads) in order to protect themselves and fulfill God's call to be "salt and light." Only then will we be able to protect the children and other people we love from what Chuck Colson calls a "pornographic culture."
We are in the midst of a battle. Indeed, this is spiritual warfare. We must have a battle plan to fight pornography. Our battle plan must include our recognizing pornography for what it is, who the victims are and how to bring healing to them and strategies to turn the tide regarding the devastating influence of pornography in our country.
I. What is pornography?
A. Pornography is a perversion that attacks everything God cherishes.
Man is made in God's image. Therefore, the theological foundation against pornography begins with the premise that every human life has dignity and is sacred (Genesis 1:27).
B. Pornography is destroying the innocence of children (Mark 9:42).
It has been estimated that approximately 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys will be sexually molested before the age of 18. The relationship of pornography to child sexual abuse is compelling. Seventy-seven percent of those who molested boys and 87 percent of those who molested girls said they were regular users of hard-core pornography. (See Information Sheet for more statistics and testimonies).
C. Pornography is a lie.
Pornography says the best sex is outside of marriage. Pornography promises what it cannot deliver. Proverbs 9:17 tells us that "stolen waters are sweet..." However, Proverbs 14:12 tells us, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death."
II. Who are the victims and how can we bring healing to them?
A. Those who are addicted to pornography are victims.
There is such a thing as the "pleasure of sin for a season" (Hebrews 11:25). However, according to James 1:13-15, sin in its fullest form brings forth death. Death to our self-esteem, to meaningful relationships, to moral absolutes.
B. Those who have been harmed are victims.
Families, wives and children, are directly affected. Women who have been raped and sexually abused are impacted forever. Babies are born with sexually transmitted diseases. Young people are scarred for life. Marriages are broken beyond repair. The dignity of women is degraded.
III. What action can we as believers take to turn the tide of pornography in our country?
A. We are to take a stand on our knees.
Since this is a spiritual battle the war must be waged through prayer first and foremost (Ephesians 6:10-18).
B. The parable of the Good Samaritan provides our marching orders.
We need to be the ones who minister the healing balm in the lives of pornography victims (Luke 10:27-37).
C. We need to be salt and light in our culture (Matthew 5:13-14).
We need to help promote legislation and other activities that will help eliminate pornography from our land. It is our responsibility to be informed and take action as is appropriate toward the goal of ridding our land of this evil.
H.B. London Jr., Vice President, Ministry Outreach Division
Dr. Jerry Kirk, National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families
Stan Kellner, Manager, Pastoral Care, Ministry Outreach Division
Travis Pardo, Social Research Analyst, Public Policy Division
0 comments:
Post a Comment