Pursuing personal purity and restoring sexual integrity involves straightforward principles which are all derived from the Bible. Equally it is certainly an achievable goal even though it is not an easy or straightforward process. It is an unfortunate and stark reality that, men in particular, find themselves captive in the life dominating struggle of being caught up in the bondage of pornography and masturbation. Thus, for the Christian a real question to ask is: How does the Bible address this issue?
Jesus reminds us that He came to ‘set the captives free’ and to ‘heal the broken-hearted’ which clearly reveals His intention to free us from life dominating struggles on the one hand, but also suggests that there is a need to experience His deeper work of healing any damaged emotions on the other hand.
The first foundational Biblical principle in breaking free and finding victory in this area in our lives is demonstrated by Jesus Himself in sharing His life with twelve men and making them His disciples over a period of three years. Connection, fellowship, attachment and belonging is central to Christ's mandate of setting captives free and healing broken hearts.
Fellowship and sharing life in Christ (vulnerably and compassionately)
God never intended us to walk in isolation or ignorance, hence His admonition not to neglect ‘meeting together’ (Hebrews 10:25) and, more pertinently, to avoid the pitfall of approaching this problem with a ‘lack of knowledge’ (Hosea 4:6) – a regrettable position in too much of the body of Christ today. It is not enough to merely remind Christians that God ‘will complete the good work started’ in them (Philippians 1:6) and that they are, conversely, equally called to ‘work out their own salvation with fear and trembling’ (Philippians 2:12) but not explain exactly what the implications of those two Scripture references are. For the individual dealing with a life-dominating struggles that have become addictive and enslaving, those verses need to be expanded into a full set of Biblical principles he or she can follow in a close-knit, empathetic, understanding, committed and informed community.
This is why the most effective approaches to freedom from pornography possess the following two trademarks according to leading experts in the field of compulsive and addictive behaviours:
1 There is to be an accountability group (guided by informed and experienced individuals such as a mentor or sponsor).
2 There is to be a close and intimate relationship with God (implying a deep experiential heart knowledge, augmenting head knowledge).
Consequently, if we, as strugglers, seriously and whole-heartedly commit to the whole process of recovery, restoration and sanctification with its proven Scriptural principles replacing ignorance with insight and isolation with connection, we will find that our self-respect will return and our integrity will grow. We will find ourselves in the encouraging position of experiencing the inspirational words of Dr Magness Milton, 'We will be looking at ourselves in the mirror and we will like what we see!'
