Christians and Pornography: A Secret to Self-Control

My son, give me your heart,
and let your eyes observe my ways.
For a prostitute is a deep pit;
an adulteress is a narrow well.
She lies in wait like a robber
and increases the traitors among mankind.

Proverbs 23:26–28 ESV

Solomon, who had 700 wives and 300 concubines (1 Kings 11:3) knew a thing or two about sexual promiscuity.

He wrote today’s verses as a warning against men sleeping with prostitutes—especially married men. Solomon said sexual sin is a “deep pit” that “increases the traitors among mankind.”

It can be easy to nod your head as you read this and think, “Yes, sexual promiscuity with prostitutes is probably not a good thing. But I don’t do that, so I’m good.”

But what if we substituted pornography for prostitution?

Things get a lot closer to home, don’t they?

Christians and Pornography:

Porn statistics in Christian men (aged 31–49):

• 77% looked at pornography while at work in the past three months.
• 64% view pornography at least monthly.
• 18% admit being addicted to pornography (and another 8% think they may be).

Porn statistics in Christian women:

• 20% of Christian women say they are addicted to pornography (meaning they want to stop but can’t).
• 18% report spending time online weekly for Internet sex.

Clearly, porn is a problem in the Church. But did you know quitting it can increase the fruit of self-control in every area of your life?

A 2015 study split participants into two groups for a three-week experiment. The first group abstained from their favorite foods while the second stopped porn use. The participants who quit porn increased their ability to delay gratification more than those who abstained from their favorite foods. Quitting porn was a much stronger driver of self-control!

Christians and pornography is a tough topic. You may have tried to quit pornography use in the past, but failed. So let me offer some encouragement from the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 10:13:

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.

What We Believe About Quitting Porn

1. It is possible, and God provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).
2. Confession, bringing it into the light, and working with others (James 5:16).
3. Accountability drives change (consider using a service like Covenant Eyes).
4. It is beneficial to our walk with God and relationships with others.
5. God wants to renew and rewire our minds to see the world, and ourselves, as he does (Romans 12:1-2; Romans 8:29).
6. We are not condemned or destined for shame (Romans 8:1).
7. God is kind toward us, and his kindness draws us to repentance, not guilt (Romans 2:4).

Do you struggle with pornography? Do you want to quit for good? Talk to your pastor, a Christian counselor, or someone you trust who can help you create a plan and hold you accountable in love.