Hollywood, television commercials, magazine’s, internet, and even billboards are littered with sex appeal. Through these outlets society has desensitized men to the consequences of pornography mentally, physically, and spiritually. As a result of this type of exposure adolescent boys are fully educated on sex by the age of 13, (in many cases even younger). One Youth Pastor reported to his youth group that by the age of 16 an alarming percentage of adolescent males had already been exposed to hardcore pornography. May I add that once a pornographic image is viewed, it is immediately registered into our long term memory. Pornography is a major problem for men these days. We would be amazed if we truly knew how many men are exposed to pornography on a daily basis.

Here are three ways to overcome pornography.

1. Be accountable to someone more mature than you.

Example: Pastors, Youth Pastors, Counselors, Sunday School Teachers, and even Parents are appropriate accountability partners. Accountability demonstrates that a person is serious about solving their problem. Finding someone to be accountable with reassures you that you are not the only person in the world that has struggled with this issue!

2. Keep yourself busy!

Example: Boredom, idle time, and being alone are three circumstances that I have observed as one of the root causes for the experimentation with pornography in young men. Therefore, if your going to be alone for an extended period of time plan accordingly. If being alone is to tempting for you; then go out in public for a bite to eat, jog, call a friend, read, pray, do something to keep yourself busy! If you plan properly idle time and boredom will not be an issue for you!

3. Developing a relationship with God!

Pray for strength through the liberating power of Jesus Christ. Only the work of the spirit can truly rid you of the chains of pornography. Make up in your mind to read the word consistently. The closer you get to him, the further you will find yourself from sin’s such as pornography. David quoted: ” Create in me a clean heart, renew in me a right spirit”. That should be our prayer every day.

Last, you must make a heart felt decision to personally guard yourself from this temptation every day. Implement scriptures such as Phillipians 4:8.