Pornography; the mere
mention of the word ought to raise a red flag in the mind and heart of every
Christian. No child of God should ever even consider partaking of such a
dangerously wicked form of entertainment. Yet, despite the clear warnings of
Scripture against pornography, too many Christians have allowed themselves
to get ensnared by it (Heb. 12:1). This is due to the great deception
of pornography. Though it may seem that Christians are above such filth and
perversion, we still must beware lest we fall!
“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall”
(1 Cor. 10:12, NASB).
Do We Even Know What Pornography Is?
Many get entangled with
pornography because of their faulty definition of it. If your concept of
pornography is limited to magazines at the back of a shelf in a convenient
store or a movie officially rated X, you are setting yourself up for a fall.
The fact is, pornography comes in a variety of forms, all of which we must
beware.
The word pornography comes
from the Greek word pornographia – literally meaning “the writing about or
drawings of harlots” akin to the New Testament Greek word porneia where we
get the word fornication. The American Heritage Dictionary defines
pornography as:
“Sexually explicit pictures, writing, or other material whose primary
purpose is to cause sexual arousal.”
It is the “other material”
that we should be particularly aware of, understanding that pornographic
influences can come at us from many different sources, some that we may not
expect!
Remember, the goal of
pornography is to “cause sexual arousal.” By that very definition, we can
more easily recognize pornography for what it is and be on guard for its
various forms. “Wikipedia” the Free Encyclopedia online, gives this
description:
“Pornography may use any of a variety of media — written and spoken text,
photos,
sculpture,
drawings,
moving
images
(including
animation),
and
sounds
such as heavy breathing.
Pornographic films
combine moving
images,
spoken erotic text and/or other erotic sounds, while
magazines
often combine photos and written text.
Novels
and
short stories
provide written text, sometimes with illustrations. In addition to
media,
a live
performance
may also be called pornographic. Notably, all of the above may be found on
the Internet.” By
this description, it is plain to see that the influence of pornography is
much bigger than we realize. Though society may not label something as
pornographic, doesn’t mean that it is not. What the world may call art,
music, romance novels, “a word from our sponsor” (i.e., commercials) and
entertainment may in fact be pornography.
Pornography Doesn’t Always Involve Nudity.
One of the great
deceptions of pornography industry is the misconception that for something
to be pornographic there must be complete nudity. Again, remember the goal
of pornography: “to cause sexual arousal.” The truth is, many who told
themselves they would never partake of “pornography” (i.e., hard core,
involving nudity), ended up ensnared anyway because they believed such a
lie. Pornography addicts who have sought counseling readily admit that it
began first by viewing people in immodest clothing which over time increased
their appetite for more and more. Indeed, the progression of lust and sin
will go from bad to worse when we use such reasoning (James 1:14-15).
We deceive ourselves if we
think we are not partaking of pornography when we view such things as the
Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, the Victoria Secret models, and TV shows
that dress actors like prostitutes or gigolos. If God was not pleased with
Adam and Eve’s attempt to cover themselves with fig leaves (Gen. 3:6-7,
21), what makes us think we can purposefully view such immodesty and be
right with God? (cf. 1 Tim. 2:9).
Pornography Is Addictive!
“Pornography consumption can be as mood altering and as addictive as
narcotics.”
(Richard Drake, assistant professor at Brigham Young University College of
Nursing).
Like alcohol, nicotine,
heroin, gambling, etc., pornography can become an addiction that will take
over your life and destroy you over time. In the U.S., ten percent of adults
are addicted to online porn. That’s over forty million regular users! That’s
more addicts than alcoholics! We need to beware that even a “little”
pornography “now and then” can easily become the first step toward becoming
addicted. Sinful activity can become an addiction, and viewing pornography
is no exception (John 8:34; cf. 2 Pet. 2:18-19).
Pornography Wrongly Teaches That All Sex Is Acceptable.
The viewing of pornography
will, over time, retrain our way of thinking -- that sex with anyone,
married or not, is acceptable. Pornographers paint the picture of fun and
excitement, yet leave out the temporal nature and consequences of such
behavior (Heb. 11:25b; 13:4). Pornography will effectively
desensitize our resistance against extra-martial affairs, thereby tempting
us to become unfaithful to our mates. Sadly, online porn now plays a major
role in the cause of many divorces today (involved in two-thirds of all
divorces!). It is no accident that Jesus warned against committing “adultery
in the heart” in the same context of the problem of divorce in His sermon on
the mount
(Mat
5:27-32).
Pornography is not Harmless Fun!
“Can a
man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned?”
(Prov. 6:27). The biggest deception of pornography is that it is a
harmless activity for those who view it. Yet, in reality it can cost a
person’s soul! (1 Pet. 2:11). Pornography is a form of lasciviousness
(lewdness or sensuality), an unrestrained, shameless public display of sex
acts. To willfully look at it makes our hearts morally unclean and we offend
God and lose our fellowship with Him (Mark 7:20-23; cf. Isa. 59:2).
Ultimately, those who continue to partake of pornography will be denied
entrance into Heaven itself:
“Now
the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are:
immorality, impurity, sensuality ... those who practice such things shall
not inherit the kingdom of God”
(Gal. 5:19-21). Let
us beware of the deception and dangers of pornography and take heed lest we
fall!
