How Can I Stop Watching Porn?
Message: My religion doesn’t allow sex before marriage or watching any type of sexual content because we believe it’s immoral. I love God so much, but i cant seem to stop watching porn. I haven’t had sex yet, and I don’t want to be tempted any more than I have been. How can I stop?
Response: Thank you for asking your question here, this is a big question that many people struggle with but are often too afraid to address. I applaud your strength and courage in facing this issue!
Thinking about, watching, or having sex are very normal desires that everyone at some point in their life has. This desire can occur in many different forms, and it ranges from person to person. That certainly doesn't make it an easy temptation to manage! As men and women mature we are introduced to an onslaught of hormones that can sometimes feel like they rule our minds. God has designed us each with the desire to find a mate and love them unconditionally, but living in a sin-filled world can make it difficult to understand what is okay, what isn't, and how we are supposed to live and act according to God's word on the topic.
It sounds like you already know the religious reasons behind why it is wrong to do these things, so I won't go much into detail, but I don't want you to be confusing religious rules for God's love. Of course we should try to do our best to live by God's law and uphold ourselves to His standards, but we cannot forget that His love for us is overflowing. He sent His son to die on the cross that it may cover our sins, knowing that we would need that assurance because we are human. We are sinners. That fact isn't going to change, but the best thing that we can do is work every day towards accepting that love and doing our best to change for the better.
I wish I could tell you that there's a secret formula to fight temptation, especially one as strong as sexual immorality. I wish I could tell you that once you stop, you'll never have to worry about this temptation again, but unfortunately that's not the case. The fact is that Satan knows how to get you, and it's going to be a battle. That's why it’s important to use the resources that you have to overcome all of these obstacles. There are things that we can do on our own to make accessing these temptations more difficult. It could help to observe your behavior and think of adjustments that you can make that will make it harder to achieve this temptation. Porn is so easily accessible these days, but there are ways to block certain domains. Unfollow tempting accounts, minimize your internet exposure, ask your parents to put up a firewall, or find other activities to keep you busy. Anything you can do to decrease your exposure may help to minimize the temptation. Addiction in any form is a giant, and many times we don't have the willpower to hold ourselves accountable. I know that this is an uncomfortable topic, but if you're serious, it may be best to tell someone about your problem so that they can keep you on track. A family member, pastor, or counselor may have good advice that will help. A lot of times, talking to someone can make our problems seem a lot more manageable!
There is only so much that we can do ourselves when it comes to sin and at a certain point, we have to ask God to take control. Pray for Him to give you self-control, delve into the Bible for encouragement and understanding on what this is, why it's bad, and what to do about it. I encourage you to ask God to give you HIS desires instead of yours. If you change your heart, your mind, and your soul to follow God, I believe that your body will be more easily aligned. If you ask, He will provide you with the strength you need in order to move forward and stay submitted to His will.
Psalm 51:1-13 talks about sin and the willingness we need to change our hearts!
"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
So dear friend, ultimately my advice to you is to hold fast in your beliefs. Study, learn and grow but don't overlook the love and strength that God is willing to provide in order to help you overcome these temptations. Do what you can in order to fight, but have a willing heart and spirit for God to work with so that He will uplift you in your walk. Use the resources you have to help battle this, and ask for help when you need it. You are not alone, and you do have the knowledge and strength to beat this!
1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us, "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."
