These days, most men find it impossible to live a life of purity. In fact, the whole idea of living a life of purity is rarely even given a second thought.

Men are continually bombarded with images of semi-nude women wherever they turn. From ads on TV and social media, to walking through the local shopping centre, or even taking a stroll on the beach. These constant images saturate our minds. How can we ever escape?

Throughout our lives, we have been flooded with sexual images to the point where it has become a normal and acceptable part of our life and our culture.

Up until the ’60s, nudity was considered unacceptable. Pornographic magazines were only available at newsagencies, and even then, magazine covers were often covered so prying eyes could not take a quick look. Women wore modest clothing, and flesh was not easily found. Back then, purity was considered a noble characteristic. Looking at pornography was frowned upon, and we were taught by our parents that it was taboo.

Lustful Looks

How things have changed. Now, our minds can become so saturated with images of nudity and sex that it’s difficult to go one day without images penetrating our minds. The line between acceptable and unacceptable has been so blurred, it’s difficult to find.

Just as we enjoy small amounts of time relaxing, watching Netflix, eating chocolate and perhaps a wine with dinner, we allow ourselves indulgences of lustful pleasure. Whether it be a sex scene in a movie, a glance at that skimpy jogger as she passes by, or looking at pornographic images so easily accessed on our smartphones.

As we allow ourselves these small indulgences, gradually, over time, a habit is formed. ‘It’s no big deal,’ we tell ourselves. ‘Everyone does it; I only do it occasionally; it’s not hurting anyone else.’

For many men, a lifelong struggle has now begun in the heart and mind that is not easily overcome. As sexual images infiltrate our minds, over time, the desire for pornography begins to grow and captivate our hearts. For some, this can grow into a full-blown addiction. For others, it becomes a place of pleasure, of comfort and sexual satisfaction. But is this an ok thing? Is it good for us?

Destructive

Looking at porn has many negative effects that we need to take seriously.

Porn causes us to objectify women who were created in the image of God. It distorts intimacy, destroys marriages and creates unrealistic expectations in the bedroom. Too much time spent looking at porn can also cause a condition called porn-induced erectile dysfunction (PIED).

It is well-known the porn industry exploits vulnerable women and children, and this industry is fuelled by the enormous amounts of money generated by those who watch it.

Porn is like a drug. Watching porn produces a chemical in the brain called dopamine. This chemical will cause you to crave it more and more, like using cocaine. If we are not careful, pretty soon, we will be addicted.

I have seen the destructive nature of long-term pornography in the lives of men I have counselled. Just like the drug addict who needs more and more, looking for that satisfying fix, many porn addicts will seek after deeper levels of sexual pleasure, or more perverse forms of sexual fantasies, leading to greater levels of depravity.

Freedom is Possible

But in spite of all this, I have great news. There is hope. It is possible to break the cycle, whether it’s a low-level habit or a full-blown addiction. We can be set free from this. It is even possible to live a life of purity, avoiding the pitfalls of snacking on sexual images thrust at you throughout each day.

But being set free is not something easily achieved on your own. That’s why I run support groups for men who are looking to walk in freedom and purity. My groups are aimed at Christian men, and the course I use is based on Christian principles.

Getting free won’t be easy, but it will be worth it, and there is purpose in the struggle for freedom. The things we struggle for, we value highly; they establish lasting memories in our minds, so we avoid going back to old patterns of behaviour.

So I leave you with this question: Porn or Purity. What will you choose?

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By Greg O’Neill
Email: info@secretmens.business
Website: SecretMens.Business

Photo by Victor.