I just started reading a book called The Dirty Little Secret: Uncovering the Truth Behind Porn
We’re trying to help people see the true nature of pornography. It’s pure exploitation, the objectification of sex. God gave us so much more than that. Christianity doesn’t condemn sex or pleasure. Sex is a wonderful gift fully sanctified in God’s glory. Have you ever read Song of Solomon? Ever wonder what that little piece of erotic writing is doing in the Bible? Yet we choose to ignore this gift for something much more carnal; we wolf down the cheeseburger and fries when we’re offered the filet minon (sic). That’s what porn is: sex packaged in a fast-food wrapper, dumbed down and exploited for profit and mass consumption.
It is a gift. Sex is good when in the boundaries that God gave it (heterosexual marriage – it’s sad that I have to qualify marriage now). Something that I would add to what pornography is, and I would say this to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who may have fallen jumped into this.
Pornography is idolatry.
I know this because I struggled struggle (as I have to be ever vigilant, and guard my heart) with porn. I won’t get into details because it wouldn’t glorify Christ nor bring honor to my wife, and quite frankly wouldn’t be edifying to you (or me for that matter to rehash it). I have to say that in the midst of failure with my battle with porn, I loved it more than Jesus. I sacrificed my time, sleep, productivity, and relationships so that I could partake.
Wrong isn’t it? I can almost hear somebody say… “pervert.” I was absolutely ashamed. Which is why I hid it (my pride was an idol as well). Why I wouldn’t confess it, and finally it caught up with me (your sins always do) and smacked me right in the face. I was broken. But this is good. Shame can be good.
For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter, (2 Cornithians 7:8-11, ESV).
Confession is good, repentance is great. I was broken, but in that brokenness I experienced His grace. I had to experience the gospel (like it is irrelevant for those who already believe). He died for this sin of mine like many others. It was nailed to the cross, and He is victorious over it.
Side note: In a little while I am going to be giving The Dirty Little Secret: Uncovering the Truth Behind Porn away. Chad Vandervalk was so kind to supply two copies, one I can read, and one to give away. Watch for details.
Update: Linked by Rodney Olsen. Thanks! So welcome readers from the land Down Under!
2nd Update: Linked by Lost Trails – Thanks!