Men of God: Overcoming Pornography Addiction
10 Steps to Overcoming Pornography Addiction By Stephen Arterburn
1. First, you must acknowledge the
addiction exists. Many who are caught in the trap of
addiction will adamantly deny the problem. He
who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and
forsakes them will find compassion. –
Proverbs 28:13
2. You must recognize that what you
are doing is wrong. Addicts find a way to justify
their problem in their mind. For all that is in the world, the lust of the
flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the
Father, but is from the world. – I John 2:16
3. You must not blame others – “If my wife/husband were just more affectionate.” … “If
women/men were not so seductive.” Adam blamed Eve and she blamed the serpent.
Instead, you must begin to take responsibility for your actions.
4. Make yourself accountable to
another trustworthy person. Everybody needs a “safe” person to share their
struggles with. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one
another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can
accomplish much. – James 5:16
5. You must recognize that “will
power” is not the answer. At a weak
moment, your “will” may fail you. By admitting that you are in need of God’s
help, you open access to His supernatural intervention in your life. You must
yield your will to God’s will. That’s when He can begin a new work in your
life.
6. Study the Word of God concerning
sexual purity. Therefore putting aside all
filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the Word
implanted, which is able to save your souls. – James 1:21
7. You must destroy any pornography
in your possession. You can’t wean yourself off
pornography. Think of the hidden pornography in your home as a ticking time
bomb that will ultimately destroy your family and marriage.
8. You must learn to flee temptation. Self-deception may enter when you think you can play with
fire without getting burned. Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not
proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it. Turn away from it
and pass on. – Proverbs 4:14,15
9. Give yourself time to work
through the process of recovery.
More often than not, God chooses to take us through a learning and growing
process, that can be very painful. Victory over addiction should be viewed as a
marathon, not a sprint.
10. It is a cliche, but you must
approach your addiction one day at a time.
Look for little victories and rejoice in the progress you’re making. Recovery
is a cinch by the inch, but a trial by the mile.
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