Porn in the Pews - International Pentecostal Holiness Church
Porn in the Pews - International Pentecostal Holiness Church
Porn in the Pews - International Pentecostal Holiness Church
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CovenantEyes<br />
Guard<strong>in</strong>g Hearts | Protect<strong>in</strong>g Integrity<br />
<strong>Porn</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pews</strong>:<br />
Teach<strong>in</strong>g Your <strong>Church</strong> About <strong>the</strong> Dangers of <strong>Porn</strong>ography
Table of Contents<br />
© 2010 Covenant Eyes<br />
Covenant Eyes<br />
1525 W. K<strong>in</strong>g, Box 637<br />
Owosso, MI 48867<br />
Toll-free <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> U.S.: 1.877.479.1119<br />
Outside <strong>the</strong> U.S.: 1.989.720.8000<br />
E-mail: resources@covenanteyes.com<br />
Web: CovenantEyes.com<br />
Document Lead<br />
Luke Gilkerson<br />
Contribut<strong>in</strong>g Writers and Editors<br />
Sam Black<br />
Lisa Eldred<br />
Design Lead<br />
Grace Hammersley<br />
All Scripture quotations, unless<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rwise <strong>in</strong>dicated, are taken from<br />
The Holy Bible, English Standard<br />
Version. Copyright ©2001 by<br />
Crossway Bibles, a publish<strong>in</strong>g m<strong>in</strong>istry<br />
of Good News Publishers. Used by<br />
permission. All rights reserved.<br />
Chapter 1:<br />
So You Want to Open <strong>the</strong> Can of Worms? . . 3<br />
Chapter 2:<br />
Seven Reasons Why Guys Like <strong>Porn</strong> ......8<br />
Chapter 3:<br />
Break<strong>in</strong>g Free: The Way of Wisdom ......14<br />
Chapter 4:<br />
Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood ........................20<br />
Appendix A:<br />
<strong>Porn</strong>ography Statistics ................28<br />
Appendix B:<br />
Resources ..........................33
Chapter 1: So You Want to Open<br />
<strong>the</strong> Can of Worms?<br />
<strong>Porn</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> church. You’ve read <strong>the</strong> stats. You know <strong>the</strong><br />
problem is big. Your gut tells you that men, women, and<br />
even kids <strong>in</strong> your own church are struggl<strong>in</strong>g with this issue.<br />
How can you “open <strong>the</strong> can of worms” for your church?<br />
More importantly, how do you deal with <strong>the</strong> worms once<br />
<strong>the</strong>y’re out?<br />
In this chapter we will explore four key strategies for address<strong>in</strong>g<br />
pornography concerns <strong>in</strong> your congregation:<br />
1. plann<strong>in</strong>g events that woo people out of hid<strong>in</strong>g;<br />
2. us<strong>in</strong>g personal stories to encourage an<br />
environment of confession;<br />
3. preach<strong>in</strong>g about pornography; and<br />
4. equipp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> members of your church for service.<br />
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Crack<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Lid:<br />
Events Woo People Out of Hid<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>Church</strong>es that do <strong>the</strong> best job br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g this issue out <strong>in</strong>to<br />
<strong>the</strong> light usually start with some sort of event that breaks<br />
<strong>the</strong> ice. These events <strong>in</strong>volve someone lead<strong>in</strong>g from <strong>the</strong><br />
front, ei<strong>the</strong>r a down-to-earth talk about pornography or a<br />
heart-felt story of struggle.<br />
Those who are<br />
struggl<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
pornography<br />
on some level<br />
are very likely<br />
struggl<strong>in</strong>g alone.<br />
The po<strong>in</strong>t of events like <strong>the</strong>se<br />
is to woo people out of hid<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Those who are struggl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with pornography on some<br />
level are very likely struggl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
alone. They don’t feel free to<br />
br<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir s<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> light<br />
of confession. Perhaps <strong>the</strong>y<br />
aren’t close enough to anyone<br />
to trust <strong>the</strong>m with <strong>the</strong>ir secret. Perhaps <strong>the</strong>y simply<br />
feel too ashamed. Perhaps <strong>the</strong>y’re not ready to give up<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir s<strong>in</strong> and <strong>the</strong>y prefer <strong>the</strong> secrecy. Hav<strong>in</strong>g a large-group<br />
event is not <strong>the</strong> ultimate goal. It is a means to <strong>the</strong> goal of<br />
gett<strong>in</strong>g people out of <strong>the</strong>ir dark corners.<br />
What events would work best for your church? Consider<br />
a Saturday morn<strong>in</strong>g men’s breakfast, or a youth event.<br />
Perhaps you have midweek services that are widely attended.<br />
Or maybe this is someth<strong>in</strong>g that deserves a Sunday<br />
morn<strong>in</strong>g message. Whatever you choose to do, don’t<br />
shr<strong>in</strong>k back because you know this topic will ruffle some<br />
fea<strong>the</strong>rs. Any time you open a can of worms, you’re likely<br />
to get a few squirms.<br />
Lift<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Lid:<br />
The Power of Story<br />
Jon Acuff 1 talks about giv<strong>in</strong>g people “<strong>the</strong> gift of go<strong>in</strong>g second.”<br />
When some brave person is will<strong>in</strong>g to share <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
story first, this gives <strong>the</strong> rest of <strong>the</strong> church <strong>the</strong> gift of go<strong>in</strong>g<br />
second. When one person is will<strong>in</strong>g to say, “I love you<br />
enough to crucify my public image and get real with you,”<br />
this motivates o<strong>the</strong>rs to be honest <strong>the</strong>mselves.<br />
Who should tell <strong>the</strong>ir story? Ideally it should be someone<br />
people <strong>in</strong> your church might know—one of your congregation<br />
members. Perhaps <strong>the</strong>re’s a mature Christian <strong>in</strong> your<br />
midst that used to struggle with pornography. Or maybe<br />
<strong>the</strong>re’s a brave man who’s still <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> thick of <strong>the</strong> struggle<br />
who is will<strong>in</strong>g to be brutally honest with o<strong>the</strong>rs. Perhaps<br />
you have a story of your own.<br />
If you don’t know anyone <strong>in</strong> your congregation who is able<br />
and will<strong>in</strong>g to share <strong>the</strong>ir story, <strong>the</strong>re might be o<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>in</strong><br />
your network you can f<strong>in</strong>d. Are you a part of a denom<strong>in</strong>ation<br />
or m<strong>in</strong>isterial association? Ask some of your fellow<br />
m<strong>in</strong>isters if <strong>the</strong>y know anyone with a story to share that<br />
you can br<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>.<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r option, though often not as powerful, is us<strong>in</strong>g<br />
some sort of multimedia. Covenant Eyes has provided<br />
videos on its YouTube channel 2 as resources to help you<br />
get started. A free DVD can be shipped to your church<br />
by call<strong>in</strong>g toll-free at 1.877.479.1119. You can also surf<br />
through our “Favorites” to f<strong>in</strong>d videos made by o<strong>the</strong>r m<strong>in</strong>istries<br />
and companies.<br />
Remov<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Lid:<br />
Preach<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>Porn</strong>ography<br />
While pornography may be a taboo subject <strong>in</strong> your community<br />
or congregation, address<strong>in</strong>g this subject <strong>in</strong> a<br />
frank and honest way is vital <strong>in</strong> our modern age. When<br />
<strong>the</strong> prophets and apostles spoke of <strong>the</strong> sexual temptations<br />
assault<strong>in</strong>g God’s people, <strong>the</strong>y were able to be frank<br />
without be<strong>in</strong>g crass, specific without be<strong>in</strong>g lewd, and holy<br />
without be<strong>in</strong>g prudish. The language and tone we use from<br />
<strong>the</strong> pulpit needs to reflect <strong>the</strong> real-life temptations people<br />
face. Pastors, m<strong>in</strong>isters, and teachers need to speak <strong>in</strong> a<br />
way that l<strong>in</strong>ks Biblical pr<strong>in</strong>ciples to <strong>the</strong> everyday experiences<br />
of those <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> congregation.<br />
<strong>Porn</strong>ography, like any subject,<br />
can only be understood<br />
<strong>in</strong> its broader contexts. First,<br />
it must be understood <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
behavioral context of sexuality.<br />
Second, it must be understood<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> modern context<br />
of sexualized media. Third,<br />
it must be understood <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
hidden context of prostitution.<br />
The language<br />
and tone we<br />
use from <strong>the</strong><br />
pulpit needs to<br />
reflect <strong>the</strong> reallife<br />
temptations<br />
people face.<br />
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And last, it must be understood <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> spiritual context of<br />
idolatry.<br />
Sexuality<br />
<strong>Porn</strong> touches a nerve today because it touches <strong>the</strong> sensitive<br />
subject of sexuality, which has been a thorny subject<br />
for a long time. Many m<strong>in</strong>isters rightly feel <strong>the</strong> tension of<br />
want<strong>in</strong>g to equip <strong>the</strong>ir people with a complete biblical view<br />
of life—<strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g sexuality—while at <strong>the</strong> same time be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
sensitive to <strong>the</strong> diversity of <strong>the</strong>ir congregation. Week after<br />
week preachers stand before mixed crowds of married<br />
and s<strong>in</strong>gle, children and adults, homosexual and heterosexual.<br />
Preach<strong>in</strong>g about sexuality <strong>in</strong>volves an understand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of your congregation and how best to speak to <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
current situations.<br />
With this diversity <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d, preachers must start with <strong>the</strong><br />
question, “How can I equip my congregation with a biblical<br />
view of sexuality?” As <strong>the</strong> purpose and beauty of sexuality<br />
is understood <strong>in</strong> a biblical light, lust and pornography<br />
can be denounced as <strong>the</strong> warped th<strong>in</strong>gs that <strong>the</strong>y are.<br />
When we only denounce pornography without promot<strong>in</strong>g<br />
righteous sexuality, we offer our people a lopsided truth.<br />
Paul urged his readers to not have even a h<strong>in</strong>t of sexual<br />
immorality among <strong>the</strong>m, and <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> same chapter he urges<br />
husbands and wives to nourish, cherish, love, and respect<br />
each o<strong>the</strong>r (Eph. 5). We must expose <strong>the</strong> deeds of darkness<br />
<strong>in</strong> porn for what <strong>the</strong>y are, while at <strong>the</strong> same time<br />
speak about what is good, right, and true about marital<br />
sexuality (Eph. 5:7-13).<br />
Media<br />
We live <strong>in</strong> transitional times. In modern America we are<br />
shift<strong>in</strong>g from a pr<strong>in</strong>t-based culture to an image based-culture.<br />
It is a shift from <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>ted word to <strong>the</strong> digital image,<br />
from <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g press to <strong>the</strong> computer. This shift affects<br />
everyth<strong>in</strong>g: how we do politics, how we advertise, how we<br />
educate, and how we worship.<br />
More and more studies reveal that overstimulation of media<br />
actually changes <strong>the</strong> way our bra<strong>in</strong>s work, limit<strong>in</strong>g our<br />
ability to focus and set priorities. With pr<strong>in</strong>t, readers process<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> text at <strong>the</strong>ir own pace. With<br />
electronic media, we must digest billions of bite-sized images—billions<br />
of pictures pa<strong>in</strong>t<strong>in</strong>g a thousand words at<br />
break-neck speeds.<br />
Much of <strong>the</strong> media we see is hyper-sexualized. <strong>Porn</strong>ography<br />
is merely <strong>the</strong> tip of a very large iceberg. The task of <strong>the</strong><br />
preacher is to lower <strong>the</strong> water l<strong>in</strong>e to see how o<strong>the</strong>r forms<br />
of sexual media actually fuel our desires to see more explicit<br />
material. It comes through television, movies, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Internet. As we tra<strong>in</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs to guard <strong>the</strong>ir eyes, it is<br />
important we don’t merely draw <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>e between porn and<br />
non-porn. These “gray areas” also need to be addressed.<br />
Prostitution<br />
Ask someone if <strong>the</strong>y would ever want to know<strong>in</strong>gly contribute<br />
to sex traffick<strong>in</strong>g or if <strong>the</strong>y would ever want to f<strong>in</strong>ancially<br />
support a bro<strong>the</strong>l. Most would say no. And yet<br />
many are unaware of <strong>the</strong> connections between pornography<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r forms of commercial sex (such as prostitution,<br />
traffick<strong>in</strong>g, strip clubs, etc.).<br />
Peel away <strong>the</strong> gloss of pornography<br />
and we f<strong>in</strong>d a<br />
very dark world. STDs are<br />
rampant <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> porn <strong>in</strong>dustry.<br />
Alcohol and drugs are<br />
regularly abused to help<br />
performers get through <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
scenes. Physical violence is<br />
commonplace. There is a<br />
push <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustry towards<br />
rougher, more sadistic sex.<br />
Beh<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> lights, camera<br />
angles, and clever edit<strong>in</strong>g is<br />
a toxic world of exploitation<br />
and degradation.<br />
Many are unaware<br />
of <strong>the</strong> connections<br />
between<br />
pornography and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r forms of<br />
commercial sex<br />
(such as prostitution,<br />
traffick<strong>in</strong>g, strip<br />
clubs, etc.)<br />
A variety of personal factors might contribute to a woman’s<br />
<strong>in</strong>volvement <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustry, but consumers also bear<br />
responsibility. To <strong>in</strong>tentionally consume pornography is to<br />
consume prostitution—to endorse <strong>the</strong> exploitation of ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
human be<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Preach<strong>in</strong>g about pornography need not merely be a call<br />
to personal purity (though it certa<strong>in</strong>ly is that). Preach<strong>in</strong>g<br />
about pornography is also a prophetic call to Biblical jus-<br />
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tice. In front of <strong>the</strong> camera lens is ano<strong>the</strong>r human be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
who ought to be treated with <strong>the</strong> dignity of someone created<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> image of God. By click<strong>in</strong>g on or pay<strong>in</strong>g for<br />
pornography, we endorse an <strong>in</strong>dustry that regularly preys<br />
on <strong>the</strong> vulnerability of o<strong>the</strong>rs, and treats <strong>the</strong>m as commodities.<br />
Idolatry<br />
The great drama of Scripture is this: whom will we worship?<br />
The <strong>the</strong>mes of idolatry and <strong>the</strong> supremacy of <strong>the</strong><br />
true God over false gods leap off <strong>the</strong> pages of <strong>the</strong> Bible.<br />
Idolatry is one of <strong>the</strong> great unify<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>mes of Scripture.<br />
Wherever s<strong>in</strong> is found, we f<strong>in</strong>d idols lurk<strong>in</strong>g close beh<strong>in</strong>d.<br />
The critical<br />
question is not<br />
“What desire<br />
is driv<strong>in</strong>g me?”<br />
but “Who is <strong>the</strong><br />
master of my<br />
thoughts, feel<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />
or behaviors?” Is it<br />
<strong>the</strong> Creator God,<br />
or is it an idol?<br />
The Bible doesn’t limit idolatry<br />
to <strong>the</strong> worship of graven<br />
images, but expands this<br />
category to <strong>in</strong>clude <strong>the</strong><br />
“idols of <strong>the</strong> heart” (Ezekiel<br />
14:1-8). Paul called covetousness<br />
idolatry (Ephesians<br />
5:5; Colossians 3:5). He says<br />
those who live as enemies<br />
of <strong>the</strong> cross of Christ have<br />
made <strong>the</strong>ir own appetites<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir god (Philippians 3:19).<br />
To speak of s<strong>in</strong> is not merely<br />
to speak of behavior but to<br />
address <strong>the</strong> heart, <strong>the</strong> seat of our desires, imag<strong>in</strong>ations,<br />
and long<strong>in</strong>gs. The critical question is not “What desire is<br />
driv<strong>in</strong>g me?” but “Who is <strong>the</strong> master my thoughts, feel<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />
or behaviors?” Is it <strong>the</strong> Creator God, or is it an idol?<br />
We are not just people with wants and needs. We are<br />
people with masters and gods. Tim Keller 3 says this best:<br />
Whatever we worship we will serve, for worship<br />
and service are always <strong>in</strong>extricably bound<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r. We are “covenantal” be<strong>in</strong>gs. We enter<br />
<strong>in</strong>to covenant service with whatever most captures<br />
our imag<strong>in</strong>ation and heart. It ensnares us. So<br />
every human personality, community, thoughtform,<br />
and culture will be based on some ultimate<br />
concern or some ultimate allegiance—ei<strong>the</strong>r to<br />
God or to some God-substitute. Individually, we<br />
will ultimately look ei<strong>the</strong>r to God or to success,<br />
romance, family, status, popularity, beauty<br />
or someth<strong>in</strong>g else to make us feel personally<br />
significant and secure, and to guide our choices.<br />
Culturally we will ultimately look to ei<strong>the</strong>r God or to<br />
<strong>the</strong> free market, <strong>the</strong> state, <strong>the</strong> elites, <strong>the</strong> will of <strong>the</strong><br />
people, science and technology, military might,<br />
human reason, racial pride, or someth<strong>in</strong>g else to<br />
make us corporately significant and secure, and<br />
to guide our choices. [...]<br />
S<strong>in</strong> isn’t only do<strong>in</strong>g bad th<strong>in</strong>gs, it is more<br />
fundamentally mak<strong>in</strong>g good th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>in</strong>to ultimate<br />
th<strong>in</strong>gs. S<strong>in</strong> is build<strong>in</strong>g your life and mean<strong>in</strong>g on<br />
anyth<strong>in</strong>g, even a very good th<strong>in</strong>g, more than on<br />
God. Whatever we build our life on will drive us<br />
and enslave us. S<strong>in</strong> is primarily idolatry.<br />
When it comes to view<strong>in</strong>g pornography, <strong>the</strong>re may be<br />
many motivations at play, but as preachers we can help<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs see <strong>the</strong>se motivations as idolatrous. For one guy<br />
<strong>the</strong> idol might be <strong>the</strong> porn images <strong>the</strong>mselves. This is<br />
garden-variety lust: a fasc<strong>in</strong>ation with <strong>the</strong> female form that<br />
compels someone to take <strong>the</strong> second, third, and fourth<br />
glances, consumed with <strong>the</strong> image of her. For ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
person <strong>the</strong> idol might be someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> fantasy woman<br />
gives him <strong>in</strong> his fantasy world: approval, respect, a desire<br />
to be loved, a desire for companionship, comfort, pleasure,<br />
control, or power.<br />
When <strong>the</strong> preacher speaks of idolatry and pornography<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r, this helps o<strong>the</strong>rs to “frame” <strong>the</strong>ir s<strong>in</strong>, to start label<strong>in</strong>g<br />
it <strong>in</strong> Biblical terms. This is central to how we renew<br />
our m<strong>in</strong>ds: we no longer conform to worldly labels that<br />
excuse, justify, or downplay s<strong>in</strong> (Rom. 12:2), but we beg<strong>in</strong><br />
to see s<strong>in</strong> as God sees it.<br />
Speak<strong>in</strong>g this way also gets at <strong>the</strong> root of <strong>the</strong> problem: <strong>the</strong><br />
heart. When we address only behavior, at best, only behavior<br />
will change, and even <strong>the</strong>n not for very long. As biblical<br />
counselor Tim Lane says, we don’t behave ourselves<br />
<strong>in</strong>to s<strong>in</strong>; we worship ourselves <strong>in</strong>to s<strong>in</strong>. Thus we must worship<br />
our way out of it. As people beg<strong>in</strong> repent<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
idols <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> heart and focus<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>the</strong> all-surpass<strong>in</strong>g glory<br />
of Christ, this will br<strong>in</strong>g about last<strong>in</strong>g change.<br />
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Deal<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong> Worms:<br />
Equipp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Sa<strong>in</strong>ts for M<strong>in</strong>istry<br />
The poison of pornography touches all types of people.<br />
Paul Fishbe<strong>in</strong>, founder of <strong>the</strong> trade journal of <strong>the</strong> adult <strong>in</strong>dustry,<br />
says, “<strong>Porn</strong> doesn’t have a demographic—it goes<br />
across all demographics.” 4<br />
This is why it isn’t enough to merely open <strong>the</strong> can of<br />
worms. What do we do when <strong>the</strong> can is open and <strong>the</strong><br />
worms are out? Some men or women may step forward<br />
who are fall<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> temptation of porn aga<strong>in</strong> and aga<strong>in</strong>.<br />
Some people may confess to be<strong>in</strong>g entrenched <strong>in</strong> pornography<br />
for years. Parents may step forward unsure of<br />
how to protect <strong>the</strong>ir home from sexual media and Internet<br />
dangers. Wives may step forward heart-broken about<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir husbands’ frequent porn use.<br />
This is one reason why God has made it <strong>the</strong> task of church<br />
leaders to equip <strong>the</strong> sa<strong>in</strong>ts for <strong>the</strong> work of m<strong>in</strong>istry (Ephesians<br />
4:12). This means we must tra<strong>in</strong> our church members<br />
to m<strong>in</strong>ister to one ano<strong>the</strong>r, to create communities<br />
where souls can f<strong>in</strong>d help, counsel, rebuke, heal<strong>in</strong>g, and<br />
support.<br />
M<strong>in</strong>isters should prayerfully look for those <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> church<br />
that sense some sort of call<strong>in</strong>g to help and <strong>the</strong>n equip<br />
<strong>the</strong>m to serve <strong>in</strong> whatever capacity <strong>the</strong>y are able. You<br />
might sense a need for a wide variety of m<strong>in</strong>istries.<br />
You might f<strong>in</strong>d a need to streng<strong>the</strong>n marriages <strong>in</strong> your<br />
church. Perhaps <strong>the</strong>re are some <strong>in</strong> your church who want<br />
to start a small group for couples. Perhaps <strong>the</strong>re are some<br />
who want to help lead a couple’s retreat or l<strong>in</strong>k up with<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r m<strong>in</strong>istry that leads marriage retreats.<br />
You might f<strong>in</strong>d a need to have a support group for guys<br />
who struggle with pornography. Pray that God would<br />
raise up a man or group of men who will feel led to take on<br />
<strong>the</strong> leadership of a group like that.<br />
You might see a need for a support group for wives.<br />
Aga<strong>in</strong> perhaps <strong>the</strong>re is a woman or group of women who<br />
would love to lead a group that helps wives who are struggl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
with <strong>the</strong>ir husband’s use of pornography.<br />
You might see a need to address pornography temptations<br />
among <strong>the</strong> youth of <strong>the</strong> church. Perhaps <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
some who could help your exist<strong>in</strong>g youth m<strong>in</strong>istry <strong>in</strong> this<br />
capacity. Perhaps <strong>the</strong>re are some who want to facilitate<br />
youth events geared around <strong>the</strong>se topics.<br />
We may live <strong>in</strong> a world full of pornography, but <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
also more resources than ever before to deal with <strong>the</strong>se<br />
concerns. Look through Appendix B for resources to recommend<br />
to your congregation.<br />
A Culture of Accountability<br />
Once worms are out of <strong>the</strong> can <strong>the</strong>y don’t live too long.<br />
Exposed to <strong>the</strong> direct heat and light of <strong>the</strong> sun, worms<br />
shrivel and die. The same is true with secret s<strong>in</strong>: exposed<br />
to <strong>the</strong> light of Christ, s<strong>in</strong> dries up.<br />
We may live <strong>in</strong> a world full of pornography—so full, we<br />
th<strong>in</strong>k, exposure to it is <strong>in</strong>evitable. And for many people <strong>in</strong><br />
your church, it is <strong>in</strong>evitable. No matter what external measures<br />
are put <strong>in</strong> place, many of <strong>the</strong>m will see it at one po<strong>in</strong>t<br />
or ano<strong>the</strong>r. Liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> a s<strong>in</strong>ful world, we are bound to rub<br />
shoulders with tempt<strong>in</strong>g images. But we are not passive<br />
agents. Your church can be tra<strong>in</strong>ed to react differently.<br />
Your church can be equipped to face <strong>the</strong>se temptations.<br />
All four of <strong>the</strong> tactics we mentioned <strong>in</strong> this chapter are<br />
geared towards <strong>the</strong> same goal: creat<strong>in</strong>g a culture of accountability<br />
<strong>in</strong> your church. As people come forward to<br />
share <strong>the</strong>ir stories, o<strong>the</strong>rs feel more comfortable to confess<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir s<strong>in</strong>s. As people embrace a biblical understand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
of s<strong>in</strong> and temptation, <strong>the</strong>y see great value <strong>in</strong> expos<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir s<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> light of safe confession. As smaller groups<br />
of Christians form to encourage one ano<strong>the</strong>r, a context for<br />
accountability is created.<br />
The rest of this book is aimed at giv<strong>in</strong>g you an example of<br />
how to talk about pornography <strong>in</strong> your church and how to<br />
engage your people to create a culture of accountability.<br />
1. http://stuffchristianslike.net/2009/03/502-confess<strong>in</strong>g-safe-s<strong>in</strong>s<br />
2. http://youtube.com/covenanteyes<br />
3. http://www.stevekmccoy.com/keller-idoaltry.pdf<br />
4. http://www.nytimes.com/2001/05/20/magaz<strong>in</strong>e/20PORN.html<br />
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Chapter 2: Seven Reasons Why Guys Like <strong>Porn</strong><br />
Why are guys drawn to pornography? Experience tells us<br />
it isn’t merely because guys like look<strong>in</strong>g at naked women.<br />
For many guys <strong>the</strong> draw to pornography can become almost<br />
compulsive.<br />
Here is <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of a testimony from a man brave<br />
enough to share his story:<br />
I was around <strong>the</strong> age of 10 when I discovered<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs hadn’t. It was someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that f<strong>in</strong>ally gave me <strong>the</strong> attention I had been<br />
crav<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong> affection I’d felt I was miss<strong>in</strong>g, and it<br />
provided me a feel<strong>in</strong>g of adequacy I yearned for.<br />
<strong>Porn</strong>ography.<br />
Initially, I found it almost melodramatic. While I had<br />
heard about it, I’d never seen any before. As I th<strong>in</strong>k<br />
back on it I can remember exactly where I found it,<br />
exactly how it was folded, and sadly enough, I can<br />
remember <strong>the</strong> picture on <strong>the</strong> front <strong>in</strong> enough detail<br />
it makes my heart ache. It’s <strong>the</strong> damage of images<br />
that cannot be unseen. This small experience was<br />
<strong>the</strong> first step <strong>in</strong> align<strong>in</strong>g myself with a lifestyle that<br />
would hijack huge chunks of my life for <strong>the</strong> next<br />
20-plus years.<br />
Internally, I was hooked. The attention I craved<br />
came from <strong>the</strong> women star<strong>in</strong>g back at me from<br />
those pages. No girl I knew <strong>in</strong> real life would look<br />
at me like that. So comfort<strong>in</strong>g and so accept<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
They didn’t judge me; <strong>the</strong>y loved me for who I<br />
was. This was my special world and I had decided<br />
for me that I was go<strong>in</strong>g to do all I could to keep it<br />
a secret from everyone.<br />
As my time with pornography cont<strong>in</strong>ued <strong>in</strong>to<br />
my middle-teen years I began to progress with<br />
a collection of more magaz<strong>in</strong>es, and fur<strong>the</strong>r to<br />
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videos if given that chance. <strong>Porn</strong>ography had<br />
become a constant vehicle <strong>in</strong> my life. With <strong>the</strong><br />
discovery of masturbation, pornography merely<br />
became a means to an end. With <strong>the</strong> onset and<br />
proliferation of computers and <strong>the</strong> Internet, I never<br />
stood a chance resist<strong>in</strong>g it and <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>stances of<br />
look<strong>in</strong>g at and us<strong>in</strong>g pornography <strong>in</strong>creased<br />
exponentially. My compulsion for pornography<br />
opened <strong>the</strong> door (act<strong>in</strong>g as a catalyst) for easy<br />
justification for anyth<strong>in</strong>g and everyth<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
Does this sound familiar? The details are different for each<br />
guy, but across <strong>the</strong> spectrum many guys report <strong>the</strong> same<br />
power pornography once had or cont<strong>in</strong>ues to have over<br />
<strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Proverbs 7<br />
1<br />
My son, keep my words<br />
and treasure up my commandments with you;<br />
2<br />
keep my commandments and live;<br />
keep my teach<strong>in</strong>g as <strong>the</strong> apple of your eye;<br />
3<br />
b<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong>m on your f<strong>in</strong>gers;<br />
write <strong>the</strong>m on <strong>the</strong> tablet of your heart.<br />
4<br />
Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,”<br />
and call <strong>in</strong>sight your <strong>in</strong>timate friend,<br />
5<br />
to keep you from <strong>the</strong> forbidden woman,<br />
from <strong>the</strong> adulteress with her smooth words.<br />
6<br />
For at <strong>the</strong> w<strong>in</strong>dow of my house<br />
I have looked out through my lattice,<br />
7<br />
and I have seen among <strong>the</strong> simple,<br />
I have perceived among <strong>the</strong> youths,<br />
a young man lack<strong>in</strong>g sense,<br />
8<br />
pass<strong>in</strong>g along <strong>the</strong> street near her corner,<br />
tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> road to her house<br />
9<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> twilight, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> even<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
at <strong>the</strong> time of night and darkness.<br />
10<br />
And behold, <strong>the</strong> woman meets him,<br />
dressed as a prostitute, wily of heart.<br />
11<br />
She is loud and wayward;<br />
her feet do not stay at home;<br />
12<br />
now <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> street, now <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> market,<br />
and at every corner she lies <strong>in</strong> wait.<br />
13<br />
She seizes him and kisses him,<br />
and with bold face she says to him,<br />
14<br />
“I had to offer sacrifices,<br />
and today I have paid my vows;<br />
15<br />
so now I have come out to meet you,<br />
to seek you eagerly, and I have found you.<br />
16<br />
I have spread my couch with cover<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />
colored l<strong>in</strong>ens from Egyptian l<strong>in</strong>en;<br />
17<br />
I have perfumed my bed with myrrh,<br />
aloes, and c<strong>in</strong>namon.<br />
18<br />
Come, let us take our fill of love till morn<strong>in</strong>g;<br />
let us delight ourselves with love.<br />
19<br />
For my husband is not at home;<br />
he has gone on a long journey;<br />
20<br />
he took a bag of money with him;<br />
at full moon he will come home.”<br />
21<br />
With much seductive speech she persuades him;<br />
with her smooth talk she compels him.<br />
22<br />
All at once he follows her,<br />
as an ox goes to <strong>the</strong> slaughter,<br />
or as a stag is caught fast<br />
23<br />
till an arrow pierces its liver;<br />
as a bird rushes <strong>in</strong>to a snare;<br />
he does not know that it will cost him his life.<br />
24<br />
And now, O sons, listen to me,<br />
and be attentive to <strong>the</strong> words of my mouth.<br />
25<br />
Let not your heart turn aside to her ways;<br />
do not stray <strong>in</strong>to her paths,<br />
26<br />
for many a victim has she laid low,<br />
and all her sla<strong>in</strong> are a mighty throng.<br />
27<br />
Her house is <strong>the</strong> way to Sheol,<br />
go<strong>in</strong>g down to <strong>the</strong> chambers of death.<br />
The View from Solomon’s<br />
W<strong>in</strong>dow<br />
The story is a fairly simple one to follow. Solomon is look<strong>in</strong>g<br />
out his w<strong>in</strong>dow, look<strong>in</strong>g down on <strong>the</strong> streets of Jerusalem,<br />
and he sees a fea<strong>the</strong>rbra<strong>in</strong>ed young kid walk<strong>in</strong>g<br />
down <strong>the</strong> street at night. He comes across a seductive<br />
woman who entices him to come home with her. Adultery<br />
ensues.<br />
This text reveals to <strong>the</strong> reader <strong>the</strong> crafty ploys of this seductive<br />
woman. Solomon is giv<strong>in</strong>g his reader both a literal<br />
and metaphorical birds-eye-view of <strong>the</strong> situation. It’s<br />
like watch<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> suspense movie where you, <strong>the</strong> viewer,<br />
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know who <strong>the</strong> bad guy is, you know where he’s hid<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
you know what’s up his sleeve, but <strong>the</strong> unsuspect<strong>in</strong>g victim<br />
does not know. If <strong>the</strong> characters on-screen only knew<br />
what you knew, <strong>the</strong>y wouldn’t fall <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> deadly trap.<br />
That’s <strong>the</strong> view Solomon is giv<strong>in</strong>g us. He wants his readers<br />
to first see this temptation through <strong>the</strong> safety of his w<strong>in</strong>dow<br />
so that when <strong>the</strong>y f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong>mselves on <strong>the</strong> same street<br />
on a dark night <strong>the</strong>y aren’t fall<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> same traps.<br />
This sexual encounter is no accident. Solomon says of<br />
this woman that she is “wily of heart.” The Hebrew expression<br />
literally means “guarded,” which means she has<br />
secret strategies that she holds close to her; she has a<br />
plan, a scheme. She has planned this encounter.<br />
This story—and <strong>the</strong> lures <strong>the</strong> woman uses to get <strong>the</strong> man<br />
<strong>in</strong> bed with her—offer some startl<strong>in</strong>g parallels with modern<br />
pornography.<br />
Lure #1: Physical Lust<br />
The first lure, physical lust, is <strong>the</strong> most directly observable<br />
temptation. Verse 10 states that she is “dressed as a prostitute.”<br />
This woman is dressed to kill. She is seductive.<br />
This is <strong>the</strong> most obvious, <strong>in</strong>-your-face reason why men are<br />
drawn to pornography. They like to look at naked women,<br />
pla<strong>in</strong> and simple.<br />
Men have a sex drive. When a man is attuned to a woman’s<br />
form, when he sees a sensual image, or when he fantasizes,<br />
this triggers a reflexive release of testosterone <strong>in</strong><br />
his body and his bra<strong>in</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>s to cultivate a desire for sex.<br />
Remember: this sex drive is created by God. When you<br />
read <strong>the</strong> creation account <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> book of Genesis, what is<br />
<strong>the</strong> apex of <strong>the</strong> physical creation? After creat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> moon<br />
and stars, plants and animals, and <strong>the</strong> garden of paradise,<br />
<strong>the</strong> climax of <strong>the</strong> physical universe is <strong>the</strong> woman.<br />
God forms Eve and br<strong>in</strong>gs her to Adam, and as <strong>the</strong>y stand<br />
naked before each o<strong>the</strong>r, he erupts with a poem packed<br />
with anticipation and excitement: “This at last is bone of<br />
my bone and flesh of my flesh.” It is <strong>the</strong>n God calls his<br />
creation not just good but very good.<br />
But when s<strong>in</strong> entered <strong>the</strong> picture it changed <strong>the</strong> way we<br />
relate to <strong>the</strong> created world. Paul comments <strong>in</strong> Romans<br />
1 that as we look at <strong>the</strong> visible<br />
created world our m<strong>in</strong>ds<br />
should perceive <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>visible<br />
God. We should notice His<br />
eternal power and div<strong>in</strong>e nature,<br />
and <strong>the</strong>n as we perceive<br />
Him we should be moved to<br />
honor and worship Him as <strong>the</strong><br />
immortal God. But <strong>in</strong>stead,<br />
Paul says, we are always exchang<strong>in</strong>g<br />
“<strong>the</strong> glory of <strong>the</strong> immortal God for images resembl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
mortal man and birds and animals and creep<strong>in</strong>g<br />
th<strong>in</strong>gs” (Romans 1:23). This is idolatry.<br />
Notice what Paul says here is our chief problem: it’s a worship<br />
disorder. Our hearts should be captured with <strong>the</strong> glory<br />
of <strong>the</strong> immortal God, but <strong>in</strong>stead we become fixated on<br />
images of created th<strong>in</strong>gs. Among all <strong>the</strong> created th<strong>in</strong>gs <strong>the</strong><br />
image of a woman’s body often ranks at #1 for men. Man’s<br />
natural draw to a woman’s beauty becomes twisted, and<br />
we make images of women our god—<strong>the</strong> th<strong>in</strong>gs that truly<br />
captivate us and capture our imag<strong>in</strong>ations.<br />
This is what pornography does. <strong>Porn</strong>ographers are basically<br />
modern day idol-makers, only <strong>the</strong>ir material is not<br />
wood or stone, but pixels on a monitor. Their chisels are<br />
camera angles, light<strong>in</strong>g, makeup, and clever photo and<br />
video edit<strong>in</strong>g. And just like Israel before us, we take <strong>the</strong>se<br />
idols <strong>in</strong>to our hearts (Ezekiel 14:3).<br />
Lure #2: Passive Pleasure<br />
As we look<br />
at <strong>the</strong> visible<br />
created world<br />
our m<strong>in</strong>ds should<br />
perceive <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>visible God.<br />
She seizes him and kisses him, and with bold<br />
face she says to him… (Prov. 7:13).<br />
This is <strong>the</strong> woman’s very first move. No words: just an<br />
<strong>in</strong>-your-face sensual embrace, tell<strong>in</strong>g him everyth<strong>in</strong>g he<br />
wants to hear with her body language and her gaze.<br />
What message is she send<strong>in</strong>g this man? She is easy, vulnerable,<br />
and eager. He can have her with no commitment<br />
or work on his part. He merely has to follow her home; she<br />
will do <strong>the</strong> rest.<br />
This is ano<strong>the</strong>r reason why guys like porn. The actresses<br />
<strong>in</strong> this digital harem are eager and will<strong>in</strong>g. He just has to<br />
f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong>m. This is <strong>the</strong> lure of passive pleasure.<br />
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A man wants <strong>the</strong> embrace of a woman—a good and godly<br />
desire—and so God has set up <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>stitution of marriage.<br />
A few chapters prior, Solomon encourages his readers to<br />
“rejoice <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> wife of your youth” (5:18). A man’s godly<br />
character beckons him to not only seek a wife, but more<br />
importantly, to cultivate <strong>the</strong> virtues of a godly husband,<br />
and be a man of character.<br />
But our sexual drive is not neutral. Like everyth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> our<br />
psychological make-up, our sex drive is sta<strong>in</strong>ed with s<strong>in</strong>.<br />
We have this bent toward passive pleasure, not lov<strong>in</strong>g<br />
commitment. Marriage <strong>in</strong>volves commitment, pursuit, <strong>in</strong>tentionality,<br />
romance, love, and respect. Marriage is about<br />
tak<strong>in</strong>g care of someone o<strong>the</strong>r than yourself. Lust <strong>in</strong>volves<br />
none of this. This is why pornography is so allur<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
some men. Like a lot of temptations, pornography offers<br />
a quick fix, a shortcut to pleasure without virtue. <strong>Porn</strong>ography<br />
rips sexual pleasure from its relational context and<br />
creates a realm of fantasy. It enables a man to feel like a<br />
man without requir<strong>in</strong>g him to be one. 1<br />
Lure #3: Escape<br />
I had to offer sacrifices, and today I have paid my<br />
vows [...] I have spread my couch with cover<strong>in</strong>gs,<br />
colored l<strong>in</strong>ens from Egyptian l<strong>in</strong>en (Prov. 7:14,16).<br />
These are <strong>the</strong> very first words out of her mouth. The word<br />
“sacrifices” is <strong>the</strong> word used <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Old Testament for<br />
<strong>the</strong> fellowship offer<strong>in</strong>gs, animal sacrifices presented and<br />
slaughtered at <strong>the</strong> temple, with a portion given back to <strong>the</strong><br />
worshipper for <strong>the</strong>m to eat. It was usually eaten that day<br />
among friends and family. These were <strong>the</strong> choicest cuts of<br />
meat. She’s effectively say<strong>in</strong>g to this man, “I have a table<br />
with <strong>the</strong> best foods spread at my house right now.”<br />
In verse 16 she cont<strong>in</strong>ues talk<strong>in</strong>g about her couch. Usually<br />
people <strong>in</strong> that culture would recl<strong>in</strong>e to eat, and she<br />
is describ<strong>in</strong>g a special seat reserved for him at her table,<br />
covered with expensive, exquisite cloth imported from<br />
Egypt. This was <strong>the</strong> luxury bedd<strong>in</strong>g of Solomon’s day. She<br />
has spared no expense for him. She is <strong>in</strong>vit<strong>in</strong>g him <strong>in</strong>to an<br />
experience of comfort and delight.<br />
For many men pornography is <strong>the</strong>ir place of comfort, <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
refuge, <strong>the</strong>ir escape. For some this is a conscious th<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
<strong>the</strong>y justify spend<strong>in</strong>g hours and hours look<strong>in</strong>g at pornography<br />
because it is <strong>the</strong>ir treat to <strong>the</strong>mselves—<strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong>y<br />
w<strong>in</strong>d down or escape. For some this is a subconscious<br />
motivation: <strong>the</strong>y don’t even realize it, but <strong>the</strong>y run to pornography<br />
aga<strong>in</strong> and aga<strong>in</strong> because it is a fantasy where all<br />
<strong>the</strong> arrangements have been made for <strong>the</strong>m, and where<br />
<strong>the</strong>y can forget <strong>the</strong>ir worries, dissatisfaction, and discontent.<br />
The world is full of hardships and difficulties, and when<br />
we encounter <strong>the</strong>m someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> us revolts. Someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
us longs to return to Eden, before <strong>the</strong> curse and decay of<br />
s<strong>in</strong> entered human existence. We long for <strong>the</strong> comforts of<br />
Paradise. The gospel tells us <strong>the</strong>re is a day com<strong>in</strong>g when<br />
<strong>the</strong>re will be a new heaven and a new earth, when Paradise<br />
will be restored to us, when <strong>the</strong>re will be harmony<br />
between us and God, harmony with one ano<strong>the</strong>r, harmony<br />
with creation. But when we face <strong>the</strong> stress of fallen conditions,<br />
our s<strong>in</strong>ful hearts don’t retreat to that hope. We<br />
retreat by mak<strong>in</strong>g temporary Edens, small paradises that<br />
we can control, paradises centered not around God but<br />
centered on ourselves.<br />
This is one reason why porn is so allur<strong>in</strong>g: it gives us a<br />
ready-made cast and plotl<strong>in</strong>e for a fantasy world to which<br />
we can escape.<br />
Lure #4: Secrecy<br />
For my husband is not at home; he has gone on<br />
a long journey; he took a bag of money with him;<br />
at full moon he will come home (Prov. 7:19-20).<br />
She <strong>in</strong>forms him that her husband has gone on a bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
trip and isn’t expected to return until <strong>the</strong> next full moon. In<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r words, she is say<strong>in</strong>g, “Don’t worry. There is no fear<br />
of gett<strong>in</strong>g caught.”<br />
Often porn is entic<strong>in</strong>g because of its secrecy. <strong>Porn</strong>ography<br />
thrives on secrecy.<br />
Psychologist Al Cooper noted this when he co<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>the</strong><br />
“Triple-A Eng<strong>in</strong>e” of Internet pornography and cyber-sex.<br />
People are drawn to porn because it is (1) affordable, (2)<br />
accessible, and (3) anonymous. Affordable—porn is relatively<br />
cheap or free onl<strong>in</strong>e. Accessible—<strong>the</strong> Internet br<strong>in</strong>gs<br />
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pornography right <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> private corners of your home<br />
or office at high speeds. And anonymous—no one has to<br />
know that you see it; it is secret.<br />
It’s been said true character is who you are when ynobody’s<br />
look<strong>in</strong>g. We let our true colors sh<strong>in</strong>e when nobody<br />
else sees what we’re do<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
This applies to both <strong>the</strong> good and <strong>the</strong> bad, doesn’t it?<br />
Jesus said if you want to pray, fast, or give to <strong>the</strong> poor<br />
from a pure heart, <strong>the</strong>n do <strong>the</strong>se th<strong>in</strong>gs when no one is<br />
look<strong>in</strong>g except your Fa<strong>the</strong>r <strong>in</strong> heaven. Then, He says, you<br />
will receive <strong>the</strong> true last<strong>in</strong>g reward of do<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
To use <strong>the</strong> old Lat<strong>in</strong> phrase, we must live coram Deo, “before<br />
<strong>the</strong> face of God.” We are to live our lives conscious<br />
of God’s presence and omniscience and all-penetrat<strong>in</strong>g<br />
gaze. Coram Deo means we not only know but also supremely<br />
care that God always sees us, that God is sovereign.<br />
There is noth<strong>in</strong>g hidden from His sight, and know<strong>in</strong>g<br />
this utterly transforms how we live.<br />
The Internet has brought this issue to <strong>the</strong> forefront. As<br />
more and more of us live detached, anonymous lives onl<strong>in</strong>e,<br />
we start to see what really motivates us, what really<br />
makes us tick. Beh<strong>in</strong>d closed doors our real motivations<br />
surface. Before <strong>the</strong> Internet, many Christians might have<br />
avoided <strong>the</strong> trap of pornography, but was that avoidance<br />
merely conformity to Christian social norms, or born out of<br />
a desire to please <strong>the</strong> God who always sees us?<br />
The anonymity of <strong>the</strong> Internet has exposed someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
deep <strong>in</strong> our hearts, a deeply rooted belief that <strong>the</strong>re is a<br />
piece of life that we can totally have as our own, a territory<br />
that we can rule outside of<br />
Shatter <strong>the</strong><br />
anonymity and<br />
we shatter <strong>the</strong><br />
illusion that our<br />
decisions affect<br />
no one else but us.<br />
God’s sovereign gaze, a small<br />
k<strong>in</strong>gdom of our own where<br />
we can play by our own rules.<br />
But <strong>in</strong> order to live <strong>in</strong> this deception,<br />
we need secrecy. By<br />
shatter<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> anonymity we<br />
shatter <strong>the</strong> illusion that our<br />
decisions affect no one else<br />
but us.<br />
Lure #5: Pride<br />
I have come out to meet you, to seek you eagerly,<br />
and I have found you (Prov. 7:15).<br />
Notice how she plays this guy. “I have come out to meet<br />
YOU, to seek YOU eagerly, and I have found YOU.” She<br />
probably would have said <strong>the</strong> same th<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> next guy<br />
who came along, but she <strong>in</strong>sists that he’s <strong>the</strong> one and<br />
only. She makes him feel desired, wanted and attractive.<br />
Solomon crystallizes this so well <strong>in</strong> verse 21: “With much<br />
seductive speech she persuades him; with her smooth (or<br />
flatter<strong>in</strong>g) talk she compels him.”<br />
Today we might say she is strok<strong>in</strong>g his ego. She is play<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to his pride. This is <strong>the</strong> same ploy used <strong>in</strong> pornography today:<br />
to catch <strong>the</strong> man up <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fantasy experience where<br />
HE is <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> character. The woman on <strong>the</strong> screen is<br />
sell<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> lie: she wants HIM, she notices HIM.<br />
For many guys, physical lust is not <strong>the</strong> only th<strong>in</strong>g driv<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir fixation on pornography, masturbation, and fantasy.<br />
It’s also motivated by pride or self-worship. The fantasy<br />
world is like a film play<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir m<strong>in</strong>ds. When <strong>the</strong>y fantasize<br />
<strong>the</strong>y cast <strong>the</strong>ir latest crush as <strong>the</strong> lead<strong>in</strong>g lady <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
movie of <strong>the</strong>ir m<strong>in</strong>ds—but who is <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> character? He<br />
is <strong>the</strong> ma<strong>in</strong> character, producer, and director all <strong>in</strong> one. The<br />
lady reads <strong>the</strong> script he wants her to read. In <strong>the</strong> movie of<br />
his m<strong>in</strong>d, <strong>the</strong> plot is all about him, and she is merely <strong>the</strong><br />
support<strong>in</strong>g actress. The fantasy is about how irresistible<br />
he is and how she makes him feel about himself.<br />
This, aga<strong>in</strong>, is idolatry. One of <strong>the</strong> reasons why porn is so<br />
powerful is because it re<strong>in</strong>forces our s<strong>in</strong>ful desire to worship<br />
ourselves.<br />
Lure #6: False Intimacy<br />
Come, let us take our fill of love till morn<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
(Prov. 7:18)<br />
What a wonderful phrase for a husband to hear from his<br />
wife, and yet it is found <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> mouth of an adulteress.<br />
She speaks of <strong>the</strong> “love” <strong>the</strong>y will enjoy all night long. The<br />
Hebrew word, dowd, translated here as “love,” is used<br />
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many, many times <strong>in</strong> Solomon’s celebrated love poem,<br />
<strong>the</strong> Song of Solomon. It is used as <strong>the</strong> pet name between<br />
<strong>the</strong> two lovers: “my Beloved.” It is also used to refer to <strong>the</strong><br />
affectionate, passionate love <strong>the</strong>y share:<br />
How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride!<br />
How much better is your love than w<strong>in</strong>e, and <strong>the</strong><br />
fragrance of your oils than any spice! Your lips drip<br />
nectar, my bride; honey and milk are under your<br />
tongue; <strong>the</strong> fragrance of your garments is like <strong>the</strong><br />
fragrance of Lebanon (Song of Solomon 4:10-11).<br />
This sort of love describes <strong>the</strong> physical and verbal foreplay<br />
between Solomon and his bride right before mak<strong>in</strong>g love.<br />
The forbidden woman is play<strong>in</strong>g on this deep motivation<br />
for love. This is what pornography offers a man. <strong>Porn</strong>ography<br />
seeks to tap <strong>in</strong>to a deep part of us that desires closeness<br />
and <strong>the</strong>n creates parody of it. <strong>Porn</strong> is false <strong>in</strong>timacy. 2<br />
A lot of s<strong>in</strong>gle guys have a dreaded fear of be<strong>in</strong>g alone.<br />
They want to experience love and <strong>in</strong>timacy. Even married<br />
guys experience this, especially if <strong>the</strong>ir marriage is not all<br />
<strong>the</strong>y hoped it would be.<br />
Of course we were created for <strong>in</strong>timacy. It is a part of our<br />
make-up as God’s creatures. But <strong>in</strong> our s<strong>in</strong>-soaked hearts,<br />
this desire becomes an idolatrous demand. To <strong>the</strong> one<br />
who desires companionship more than God’s glory, be<strong>in</strong>g<br />
alone is hell. To save ourselves from this hell, <strong>the</strong> porn girls<br />
<strong>in</strong> our fantasies become fitt<strong>in</strong>g saviors. But as we br<strong>in</strong>g<br />
our twisted desires to Christ and make <strong>the</strong>m subservient<br />
to His glory, <strong>the</strong>n and only <strong>the</strong>n do we beg<strong>in</strong> gett<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
taste of <strong>in</strong>timacy <strong>the</strong> way it was meant to be.<br />
Lure #7: The Forbidden<br />
Solomon describes <strong>the</strong> adultress as “<strong>the</strong> forbidden woman”<br />
<strong>in</strong> verse 5. The word carries <strong>the</strong> idea of someone who<br />
is foreign or a stranger. She belongs to someone else. She<br />
is not his. It’s not just that she is an attractive woman: she<br />
is a forbidden woman. She is off-limits.<br />
This is what our s<strong>in</strong>ful nature does: we want what we can’t<br />
have. The Bible calls this covetousness. Paul spoke about<br />
this <strong>in</strong> Romans 7:<br />
[I]f it had not been for <strong>the</strong> law, I would not have<br />
known s<strong>in</strong>. For I would not have known what it<br />
is to covet if <strong>the</strong> law had not said, “You shall not<br />
covet.” But s<strong>in</strong>, seiz<strong>in</strong>g an opportunity through<br />
<strong>the</strong> commandment, produced <strong>in</strong> me all k<strong>in</strong>ds of<br />
covetousness. For apart from <strong>the</strong> law, s<strong>in</strong> lies<br />
dead. I was once alive apart from <strong>the</strong> law, but<br />
when <strong>the</strong> commandment came, s<strong>in</strong> came alive<br />
and I died. The very commandment that promised<br />
life proved to be death to me. For s<strong>in</strong>, seiz<strong>in</strong>g an<br />
opportunity through <strong>the</strong> commandment, deceived<br />
me and through it killed me (Romans 7:7-11).<br />
Follow Paul’s logic here. First, Paul speaks about <strong>the</strong><br />
pr<strong>in</strong>ciple of s<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> members of his body: a drive <strong>in</strong> his<br />
bones to live autonomously, to disobey God. Second, he<br />
speaks of God’s law. He specifically mentions <strong>the</strong> tenth<br />
commandment: You shall not covet. What happens when<br />
this s<strong>in</strong>ful drive meets God’s law?<br />
It was as if covetous desire was lay<strong>in</strong>g dormant <strong>in</strong> Paul—<br />
asleep, dead. Then <strong>the</strong> command not to covet brought his<br />
s<strong>in</strong> to life, arous<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> sleep<strong>in</strong>g giant. The command, of<br />
course, promises life to those who walk <strong>in</strong> it (Deuteronomy<br />
5:33), but our s<strong>in</strong>ful drives with<strong>in</strong> actually use <strong>the</strong> command<br />
to stir up more lust. Know<strong>in</strong>g we are not allowed<br />
to have someth<strong>in</strong>g kicks lust <strong>in</strong>to overdrive and produces<br />
what Paul calls “all k<strong>in</strong>ds of covetousness.” This is one<br />
more reason why this foolish young man follows her home;<br />
he wants what he cannot have.<br />
A few chapters later Solomon sums up <strong>the</strong> motto of Lady<br />
Folly: “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten <strong>in</strong> secret is<br />
pleasant” (Proverbs 9:13). This is why “<strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r woman”<br />
pulls at a man’s heart. <strong>Porn</strong>ography gives a man <strong>the</strong> feel<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that he has been given <strong>the</strong> key to <strong>the</strong> back door of<br />
forbidden pleasures.<br />
1. This observation comes from Michael Cusick, particularly<br />
his <strong>in</strong>volvement <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Somebody’s Daughter project. Visit<br />
SombodysDaughter.org for more <strong>in</strong>formation.<br />
2. Dr. Harry Schaumburg wrote an excellent book called False<br />
Intimacy about how th<strong>in</strong>gs like pornography hijack our desires<br />
for <strong>in</strong>timacy and offers a cheap replacement of pleasure without<br />
relationship.<br />
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Chapter 3: Break<strong>in</strong>g Free—The Way of Wisdom<br />
So what’s <strong>the</strong> good news here? Does Solomon offer any<br />
hope? You may be th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g about <strong>the</strong>se seven crafty lures<br />
used by <strong>the</strong> forbidden woman and th<strong>in</strong>k: many of <strong>the</strong>se<br />
describe me <strong>in</strong> some way; how can I defeat this th<strong>in</strong>g?<br />
Here is Solomon’s answer:<br />
My son, keep my words and treasure up<br />
my commandments with you; keep my<br />
commandments and live; keep my teach<strong>in</strong>g as <strong>the</strong><br />
apple of your eye; b<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong>m on your f<strong>in</strong>gers; write<br />
<strong>the</strong>m on <strong>the</strong> tablet of your heart. Say to wisdom,<br />
“You are my sister,” and call <strong>in</strong>sight your <strong>in</strong>timate<br />
friend. To keep you from <strong>the</strong> forbidden woman,<br />
from <strong>the</strong> adulteress with her smooth words ( Prov.<br />
7:1-5).<br />
The biblical idea of wisdom essentially means “skillful<br />
liv<strong>in</strong>g”—<strong>the</strong> ability to make right choices. For Solomon,<br />
wisdom is not just book knowledge; it is street smarts:<br />
practical and fruitful understand<strong>in</strong>g based on <strong>the</strong> experience<br />
of generations. Wisdom, for Solomon, is not merely<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g that <strong>in</strong>volves mental discernment. Wisdom is<br />
also moral skill. It’s both know<strong>in</strong>g what is best and know<strong>in</strong>g<br />
why it’s best, thus hav<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> godly motivation to<br />
choose it.<br />
Solomon sees this sexual temptation as a matter of persuasion.<br />
“With much seductive speech she persuades<br />
him” (7:21). That phrase, “seductive speech,” can also be<br />
translated “persuasive words.” Solomon uses <strong>the</strong> exact<br />
same term <strong>in</strong> chapter 4, verse 2, to refer to <strong>the</strong> precepts<br />
and teach<strong>in</strong>gs he gives to his readers. In o<strong>the</strong>r words, persuasion<br />
cuts both ways. One can use persuasion to move<br />
someone to good or evil, life or death. You will ei<strong>the</strong>r be<br />
persuaded by <strong>the</strong> world to s<strong>in</strong> or by wisdom to godl<strong>in</strong>ess.<br />
In Proverbs 7 <strong>the</strong>re are at least four th<strong>in</strong>gs that mark <strong>the</strong><br />
path of wisdom:<br />
»»<br />
First, th<strong>in</strong>k soberly about <strong>the</strong> consequences.<br />
»»<br />
Second, repent of pursu<strong>in</strong>g tempt<strong>in</strong>g paths.<br />
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»»<br />
Third, pay attention to your heart.<br />
»»<br />
And last, walk with <strong>the</strong> wise.<br />
Th<strong>in</strong>k soberly about <strong>the</strong> consequences.<br />
Her house is <strong>the</strong> way to Sheol, go<strong>in</strong>g down to <strong>the</strong><br />
chambers of death (Prov. 7:27).<br />
Sheol is <strong>the</strong> realm of <strong>the</strong> dead. Here Solomon is us<strong>in</strong>g<br />
vivid language to describe <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>al consequence of lust.<br />
He’s play<strong>in</strong>g on words here: <strong>the</strong> man on <strong>the</strong> street is go<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to her bed chamber, but really it is a chamber lead<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
death.<br />
What sort of death does Solomon mean? Is this just hyperbole<br />
or someth<strong>in</strong>g much more serious?<br />
At <strong>the</strong> very least, Solomon is talk<strong>in</strong>g about a ru<strong>in</strong>ed life. In<br />
verses 22 and 23 he writes, “As an ox goes to <strong>the</strong> slaughter,<br />
or as a stag is caught fast till an arrow pierces its liver<br />
[...] he does not know that it will cost him his life.” In Hebrew<br />
th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>the</strong> liver was thought to be <strong>the</strong> seat of our<br />
passions and feel<strong>in</strong>gs. Solomon is us<strong>in</strong>g some irony here.<br />
It was this young man’s passions and emotions that led<br />
him <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> snare, and now a deadly arrow is lodged <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> place where lust began. Solomon says that those who<br />
go down this path will suffer great pangs of conscience<br />
and <strong>in</strong>ner corruption—death <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> heart.<br />
When we speak of <strong>the</strong> subject of pornography we could<br />
form a l<strong>in</strong>e of people miles long who could give one testimony<br />
after ano<strong>the</strong>r about how lust started small for <strong>the</strong>m<br />
but led to more costly decisions. We could talk to men<br />
who eventually ended up addicted, ru<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>ir relationships,<br />
or who went thousands of dollars <strong>in</strong>to debt <strong>in</strong> order<br />
to satisfy <strong>the</strong>ir lusts. We could talk to men who know <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>credible pa<strong>in</strong> of sexual brokenness. We could talk to <strong>the</strong><br />
fiancés and wives whose relationships have ended because<br />
of pornography. We could talk to thousands of men<br />
who ended up <strong>in</strong> sexual perversions <strong>the</strong>y never thought<br />
<strong>the</strong>y would do.<br />
The worst th<strong>in</strong>g that you could be tell<strong>in</strong>g yourself right now<br />
is that you are <strong>the</strong> exception to <strong>the</strong> rule. You are not <strong>the</strong><br />
exception. There are no exceptions. Yes, s<strong>in</strong> takes its toll<br />
on all of us <strong>in</strong> different ways. Yes, consequences are different<br />
for each person. But dabbl<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> porn always leads<br />
to some sort of death.<br />
More importantly, Jesus said <strong>the</strong>re are eternal consequences<br />
to lust.<br />
You have heard that it was said, “You shall not<br />
commit adultery.” But I say to you that everyone<br />
who looks at a woman with lustful <strong>in</strong>tent has<br />
already committed adultery with her <strong>in</strong> his heart.<br />
If your right eye causes you to s<strong>in</strong>, tear it out and<br />
throw it away. For it is better that you lose one<br />
of your members than that your whole body be<br />
thrown <strong>in</strong>to hell (Mat<strong>the</strong>w 5:27-29).<br />
Jesus raises <strong>the</strong> moral stakes of lust to eternity. Solomon’s<br />
example is of a man and a woman who commit literal<br />
adultery. This is a hell-worthy act. But Jesus says that<br />
merely look<strong>in</strong>g at someone with lustful <strong>in</strong>tent is worthy of<br />
<strong>the</strong> same fiery punishment.<br />
Look carefully at what Jesus<br />
is say<strong>in</strong>g. He is not say<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that all people who lust go<br />
to hell. If that were <strong>the</strong> case,<br />
you would be hard-pressed<br />
to f<strong>in</strong>d anyone <strong>in</strong> heaven at<br />
all. He is speak<strong>in</strong>g to people<br />
whose eyes have caused<br />
<strong>the</strong>m to s<strong>in</strong>, people already<br />
Merely look<strong>in</strong>g<br />
at someone with<br />
lustful <strong>in</strong>tent is<br />
worthy of <strong>the</strong> same<br />
fiery punishment.<br />
guilty of lust. His warn<strong>in</strong>g to us is that you are <strong>in</strong> danger<br />
of hell if you do not fight your lust. He says those who will<br />
face <strong>the</strong> fires of hell are those who harbored lust <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
heart and did noth<strong>in</strong>g radical about it.<br />
Does this warn<strong>in</strong>g r<strong>in</strong>g hollow to you? After all, if we believe<br />
we are saved, if we believe we have been forgiven of<br />
all our s<strong>in</strong>s—past, present, and future—<strong>the</strong>n maybe we<br />
th<strong>in</strong>k this warn<strong>in</strong>g does not apply to us. It only applies to<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r people, right? But <strong>in</strong> Mat<strong>the</strong>w 5, Jesus is talk<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
His disciples. He’s speak<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> church. He’s not address<strong>in</strong>g<br />
merely <strong>the</strong> outsider. He’s say<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> church<br />
that <strong>the</strong>y must take lust seriously. If we don’t, we may<br />
stand before Christ some day, spiritual resumé <strong>in</strong> hand,<br />
only to hear <strong>the</strong> fateful words, “I never knew you; depart<br />
from me, you workers of lawlessness” (Matt. 7:23).<br />
Paul writes to <strong>the</strong> church <strong>in</strong> similar terms <strong>in</strong> 1 Cor<strong>in</strong>thians<br />
6.<br />
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Do you not know that <strong>the</strong> unrighteous will not<br />
<strong>in</strong>herit <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>gdom of God? Do not be deceived:<br />
nei<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor<br />
adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,<br />
nor thieves, nor <strong>the</strong> greedy, nor drunkards, nor<br />
revilers, nor sw<strong>in</strong>dlers will <strong>in</strong>herit <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>gdom of<br />
God. And such were some of you. But you were<br />
washed, you were sanctified, you were justified<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> name of <strong>the</strong> Lord Jesus Christ and by <strong>the</strong><br />
Spirit of our God (1 Cor. 6:9-11).<br />
He’s not talk<strong>in</strong>g about <strong>in</strong>cidents of s<strong>in</strong>. We all have those.<br />
He’s talk<strong>in</strong>g about unchecked habits of s<strong>in</strong>—lifestyles of<br />
s<strong>in</strong>. Apparently <strong>the</strong>re were some <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> church at Cor<strong>in</strong>th<br />
that got <strong>the</strong> idea that you could claim to be forgiven of s<strong>in</strong><br />
and still practice s<strong>in</strong>. Paul’s warn<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong>m was stern: Do<br />
not be deceived. This mentality is a lie.<br />
We only belong to Christ if <strong>the</strong> Spirit of Christ lives <strong>in</strong> us<br />
(Romans 8:9), and when <strong>the</strong> Spirit of God is <strong>in</strong> us He both<br />
enables and obligates us to put to death <strong>the</strong> misdeeds of<br />
<strong>the</strong> body (8:13). This is what it means to be a son of God—<br />
what it means to be led by <strong>the</strong> Spirit. We don’t fight s<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />
order to be saved. We fight s<strong>in</strong> because we are already<br />
saved. And when <strong>the</strong> fight isn’t <strong>in</strong> us, we should be ask<strong>in</strong>g<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> Spirit is ei<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
We are meant to read <strong>the</strong> words of Solomon and have<br />
some sobriety knocked <strong>in</strong>to us. “Her house is <strong>the</strong> way to<br />
Sheol, go<strong>in</strong>g down to <strong>the</strong> chambers of death.” <strong>Porn</strong>ography<br />
leads to emotional death, relational death, spiritual<br />
death, and eventually eternal death.<br />
Repent of pursu<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> tempt<strong>in</strong>g paths<br />
Do not stray <strong>in</strong>to her paths (Prov. 7:25).<br />
He’s say<strong>in</strong>g: Don’t be like this fool I saw out my w<strong>in</strong>dow.<br />
Don’t stray down <strong>the</strong> path to her house, “pass<strong>in</strong>g along<br />
<strong>the</strong> street near her corner, tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> road to her house <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> twilight, <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> even<strong>in</strong>g, at <strong>the</strong> time of night and darkness”<br />
(7:8-9). This is not a casual even<strong>in</strong>g stroll. It is an<br />
<strong>in</strong>tentional movement <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> direction of temptation. It<br />
could actually be translated that he “marched” down her<br />
street. In <strong>the</strong> darkness of twilight this man is walk<strong>in</strong>g quite<br />
deliberately toward her house.<br />
Christian musician Rich Mull<strong>in</strong>s tells a story about this. He<br />
said for several years he traveled by himself and found<br />
that it was too tempt<strong>in</strong>g to not watch <strong>the</strong> porn movies <strong>in</strong><br />
hotel rooms, so he made a personal commitment to never<br />
travel alone. One night he was <strong>in</strong> Amsterdam, famous for<br />
its red light district. He says he was <strong>in</strong> his hotel at night,<br />
wait<strong>in</strong>g to hear his friend start snor<strong>in</strong>g so he could be sure<br />
he was asleep. He thought, “Maybe it would just be fun<br />
to take a walk and be tempted.” He never heard his friend<br />
snore, and <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> early morn<strong>in</strong>g hours he f<strong>in</strong>ally gave up<br />
out of sheer exhaustion. 1<br />
How seriously do you<br />
treat s<strong>in</strong>? The more we<br />
understand why s<strong>in</strong> is<br />
such an affront to God,<br />
<strong>the</strong> more <strong>the</strong> idea of<br />
play<strong>in</strong>g with temptation<br />
will seem detestable to<br />
us. For <strong>in</strong>stance, if we<br />
just want to be moralistic,<br />
we look at behaviors<br />
that perta<strong>in</strong> to sexuality<br />
and draw arbitrary l<strong>in</strong>es: “Okay, <strong>the</strong>se sorts of activities<br />
break <strong>the</strong> rules, and <strong>the</strong>se o<strong>the</strong>r ones do not.” When I<br />
have this attitude <strong>the</strong>n I can easily justify <strong>the</strong> grey areas,<br />
where I allow myself to dance on <strong>the</strong> edge of <strong>the</strong> cliff as<br />
long as I don’t fall <strong>in</strong>. This is moralistic th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g divorced<br />
from a true Godward orientation <strong>in</strong> our heart.<br />
But that’s not <strong>the</strong> wisdom of Solomon.<br />
The more we<br />
understand why s<strong>in</strong><br />
is such an affront to<br />
God, <strong>the</strong> more <strong>the</strong><br />
idea of play<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
temptation will seem<br />
detestable to us.<br />
»»<br />
“The fear of <strong>the</strong> Lord is <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of knowledge.”<br />
(Proverbs 1:7)<br />
»»<br />
“The fear of <strong>the</strong> Lord is <strong>the</strong> beg<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g of wisdom,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> knowledge of <strong>the</strong> Holy One is <strong>in</strong>sight.”<br />
(Proverbs 9:10)<br />
»»<br />
“The fear of <strong>the</strong> Lord is <strong>in</strong>struction <strong>in</strong> wisdom.”<br />
(Proverbs 15:33)<br />
»»<br />
“The fear of <strong>the</strong> Lord is hatred of evil.” (Proverbs<br />
8:13)<br />
When Solomon uses <strong>the</strong> term yir’ah, translated “fear,” it<br />
is a term that captures <strong>the</strong> idea of both shr<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g back <strong>in</strong><br />
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terror and draw<strong>in</strong>g close <strong>in</strong> amazement. It is true worship.<br />
It is a disposition of <strong>the</strong> heart that both dreads and draws.<br />
Solomon says this disposition is <strong>the</strong> controll<strong>in</strong>g pr<strong>in</strong>ciple<br />
of liv<strong>in</strong>g a wise life. To be wise we must first have our worship<br />
right.<br />
When we fear God we don’t just know where <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>es<br />
between good and evil are, we come to hate evil because<br />
God hates it. Paul would say it this way: “Make no provision<br />
for <strong>the</strong> flesh, to gratify its desires” (Rom. 13:14) and<br />
“sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must<br />
not even be named among you” (Eph. 5:3).<br />
When it comes to pornography we must not just repent of<br />
look<strong>in</strong>g at it, we must also honor God by repent<strong>in</strong>g of our<br />
yearn<strong>in</strong>g to be tempted by it. For you, what is that path<br />
to <strong>the</strong> forbidden woman? It may be a different stumbl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
block for each of us: a time of day or night, a certa<strong>in</strong> place,<br />
a certa<strong>in</strong> computer, a certa<strong>in</strong> set of conditions. We must<br />
take note of <strong>the</strong>se tempt<strong>in</strong>g paths and repent of pursu<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong>m.<br />
How serious do you treat s<strong>in</strong>? The real problem for many<br />
men who face pornography temptation is that for <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong><br />
temptation is a part of <strong>the</strong> whole experience. They revel <strong>in</strong><br />
gett<strong>in</strong>g close to <strong>the</strong> edge. They make seem<strong>in</strong>gly unimportant<br />
decisions that br<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m one step closer to <strong>the</strong> object<br />
of lust: “I’m just go<strong>in</strong>g to check my e-mail,” or “I’m just go<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to see who’s onl<strong>in</strong>e,” <strong>the</strong>y tell <strong>the</strong>mselves. Deep down,<br />
part of <strong>the</strong>m actually hopes to encounter <strong>the</strong> temptation.<br />
This attitude of want<strong>in</strong>g to “get close to <strong>the</strong> edge” is itself<br />
a s<strong>in</strong> because it is treat<strong>in</strong>g lightly someth<strong>in</strong>g that God<br />
hates. It is totally void of <strong>the</strong> fear of <strong>the</strong> Lord, of true worship.<br />
When we see that attitude rise up <strong>in</strong> us, we need to<br />
recognize that we have already started fac<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> wrong<br />
direction. It is at that moment that we have a choice: will<br />
we turn around to redirect our worship to God and honor<br />
His lordship, or will we walk by her house and choose to<br />
be enterta<strong>in</strong>ed by our idol?<br />
Pay attention to your heart<br />
And now, O sons, listen to me, and be attentive<br />
to <strong>the</strong> words of my mouth. Let not your heart turn<br />
aside to her ways (Prov. 7:24-25).<br />
For Solomon <strong>the</strong> focus is on <strong>the</strong> heart. The heart walks<br />
down <strong>the</strong> path of temptation long before <strong>the</strong> feet do.<br />
The “heart” is mentioned over 70 times <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> book of<br />
Proverbs. It is a word that refers to <strong>the</strong> seat of our appetites,<br />
our knowledge, our emotion, anxiety, joy, rage, bitterness,<br />
passions, plans, motives, <strong>in</strong>cl<strong>in</strong>ations, and even<br />
our will. The heart is our whole <strong>in</strong>ner person.<br />
For Solomon <strong>the</strong> heart is <strong>the</strong> source of all our plans and<br />
actions. A signature verse from <strong>the</strong> book of Proverbs highlights<br />
<strong>the</strong> centrality of <strong>the</strong> heart: “Keep your heart with all<br />
vigilance, for from it flow <strong>the</strong> spr<strong>in</strong>gs of life” (4:23). With all<br />
vigilance—with diligence, above all else, more than anyth<strong>in</strong>g—guard<br />
your <strong>in</strong>ner life, your heart, because it is <strong>the</strong><br />
wellspr<strong>in</strong>g of all you say and do.<br />
What does it mean to guard your heart? For starters, it<br />
simply means to notice. We must first notice when our<br />
hearts beg<strong>in</strong> to act like <strong>the</strong> fool. We must tra<strong>in</strong> our m<strong>in</strong>ds<br />
to recognize when <strong>the</strong> lures of lust start to pull at us.<br />
Look at <strong>the</strong> seven lures that captured this man and <strong>the</strong>n<br />
regularly test your heart.<br />
1. When we f<strong>in</strong>d ourselves drawn to physical lust,<br />
when our eyes lead us astray, we need to learn<br />
how to bounce <strong>the</strong> eyes away and <strong>the</strong>n bounce<br />
our thoughts toward <strong>the</strong> worship of God. When<br />
we f<strong>in</strong>d our m<strong>in</strong>ds easily conjur<strong>in</strong>g up fantasies,<br />
we must quickly see this and guard our hearts<br />
from <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
2. Are we drawn to <strong>the</strong> passive pleasure fantasy<br />
affords us? Are we cultivat<strong>in</strong>g godly character that<br />
moves us toward <strong>the</strong> romanc<strong>in</strong>g and nurtur<strong>in</strong>g of<br />
one woman <strong>in</strong> marriage, or have we retreated to<br />
<strong>the</strong> quick fix of adolescent fantasy? Often before<br />
we can repent of pornography we must first<br />
repent of our passivity. Some of us must learn<br />
what Paul commanded: “know how to take a wife<br />
for yourself <strong>in</strong> hol<strong>in</strong>ess and honor” (1 Thess. 4:3-<br />
8, RSV). For married men this means we must<br />
pursue our wives. For s<strong>in</strong>gle men this means we<br />
must learn how to pursue a woman for marriage<br />
(or embrace a call to s<strong>in</strong>gleness that Paul writes of<br />
<strong>in</strong> 1 Cor. 7:8-9).<br />
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3. When we f<strong>in</strong>d our hearts look<strong>in</strong>g for an escape<br />
or a refuge from life, we must notice it and<br />
throw ourselves upon God as our refuge before<br />
our hearts retreat to some false Eden. We must<br />
come face to face with <strong>the</strong> th<strong>in</strong>gs deep <strong>in</strong> our<br />
hearts that drive us to want an escape, face our<br />
discontentment and br<strong>in</strong>g it before our Fa<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
4. When we are drawn by <strong>the</strong> lure of secrecy and<br />
anonymity we must remember and believe with<br />
all our hearts that God always sees us, that we<br />
live our lives before His face. We must repent<br />
of <strong>the</strong> belief that we can make some part of life<br />
completely our own, outside of God’s sovereign<br />
control.<br />
5. When we f<strong>in</strong>d our hearts and m<strong>in</strong>ds drawn to <strong>the</strong><br />
fantasy world where all attention is on us, where<br />
our pride can flourish, we must actively repent<br />
of that attitude and remember that God alone<br />
is worthy of that sort of attention. We also must<br />
remember that when we make Him central, when<br />
we trade self-obsession for God-obsession, His<br />
affirmation of us as His children will satisfy us <strong>in</strong> a<br />
way no human affirmation ever can.<br />
6. When we f<strong>in</strong>d our hearts drawn to <strong>the</strong> false<br />
<strong>in</strong>timacy of pornography, let us pursue real<br />
<strong>in</strong>timacy with Christ, family, and Christian<br />
community. This may mean exam<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g all <strong>the</strong><br />
habits we have created that isolate us from o<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
and mak<strong>in</strong>g some radical changes. This may<br />
mean cultivat<strong>in</strong>g that prayer life we’ve always<br />
longed to have. This may mean gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>volved<br />
<strong>in</strong> church or a small group where we can know<br />
and be truly known. This may mean admitt<strong>in</strong>g our<br />
isolationism to those who are closest to us and<br />
ask<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong>ir help.<br />
7. When we f<strong>in</strong>d our hearts drawn to covetousness,<br />
drawn to <strong>the</strong> forbidden nature of pornography, we<br />
must stop and recognize this for <strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong> that it is.<br />
Instead of merely fight<strong>in</strong>g this urge with moralism<br />
and rules, we must be captured by a better vision,<br />
a greater desire. 2 Instead of merely say<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
ourselves, “Don’t touch that. Don’t look at that”—<br />
which lacks any power to restra<strong>in</strong> our <strong>in</strong>dulgence<br />
(see Colossians 2:20-23)—say <strong>in</strong>stead, “I set<br />
my m<strong>in</strong>d on <strong>the</strong> pleasures at God’s right hand.<br />
Without Christ I would be shut out from <strong>the</strong>se<br />
pleasures forever. But Christ is now my life, and<br />
when He appears I will appear with Him <strong>in</strong> glory”<br />
(see Colossians 3:1-4).<br />
The good news for those ensnared by porn is this: despite<br />
your s<strong>in</strong>ful and messed up heart, Christ has promised a<br />
new heart to those who trust <strong>in</strong> Him. This is one of <strong>the</strong><br />
great and radical promises of <strong>the</strong> New Covenant ratified<br />
by Christ, that God Himself actually writes His laws on our<br />
hearts, plant<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> desire to obey Him <strong>in</strong>to our desires<br />
(Jeremiah 31:33; Galatians 5:16-17). If you are united to<br />
Christ, if Christ’s Spirit is <strong>in</strong> you, this is what God has done<br />
<strong>in</strong> you.<br />
The very desire to repent is a gift of <strong>the</strong> Spirit with<strong>in</strong>. It is<br />
His work <strong>in</strong> your heart.<br />
Walk with <strong>the</strong> wise<br />
My son, keep my words [...] O sons, listen to me<br />
(Prov. 7:1,24).<br />
This phrase “my son” is found many, many times <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
book of Proverbs, because <strong>the</strong> whole book is an address<br />
from fa<strong>the</strong>r to son, from teacher to pupil, from master to<br />
student. This adds a personal touch to <strong>the</strong> whole book.<br />
Proverbs is not just a classroom textbook. It is an extension<br />
of Solomon himself.<br />
Why would Solomon write this way? It is because he knew<br />
that wisdom isn’t merely taught. It’s caught. Wisdom isn’t<br />
someth<strong>in</strong>g we learn <strong>in</strong> a vacuum. It is imparted to us <strong>in</strong><br />
community.<br />
Proverbs 13:20 says, “Whoever walks with <strong>the</strong> wise becomes<br />
wise, but <strong>the</strong> companion of fools will suffer harm.”<br />
God’s path of maturity <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Christian life is <strong>the</strong> path of<br />
discipleship. Wise character comes from walk<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong><br />
wise. This is why we need one ano<strong>the</strong>r. We need close and<br />
wise friends who eagerly follow Christ and urge us to walk<br />
<strong>in</strong> godl<strong>in</strong>ess and grace.<br />
One of <strong>the</strong> elements of Solomon’s story of <strong>the</strong> naïve youth<br />
that is often overlooked is this: one of his great follies is<br />
that he is walk<strong>in</strong>g alone.<br />
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We must guard our hearts, to be sure. But we must also<br />
allow o<strong>the</strong>rs to do <strong>the</strong> same for us. Solomon says <strong>in</strong> Proverbs<br />
20:5, “The purpose <strong>in</strong> a man’s heart is like deep water.”<br />
Isn’t that true? Isn’t it true that many times you have<br />
no idea what your real motives are, what’s lurk<strong>in</strong>g deep<br />
with<strong>in</strong> you? But how does Solomon f<strong>in</strong>ish <strong>the</strong> proverb?<br />
“The purpose <strong>in</strong> a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man<br />
of understand<strong>in</strong>g will draw it out.”<br />
Solomon is tell<strong>in</strong>g us: F<strong>in</strong>d a close, wise friend, or a group<br />
of close and wise friends who can walk alongside you and<br />
help you discern what really makes you tick. F<strong>in</strong>d friends<br />
who know how to get beneath <strong>the</strong> surface. F<strong>in</strong>d people<br />
who can really know you and how to counsel you.<br />
With skillful questions and prob<strong>in</strong>g thoughts a good friend<br />
drops a bucket deep <strong>in</strong>to our hearts and draws out observations<br />
about ourselves which we are afraid to admit,<br />
even th<strong>in</strong>gs we have never noticed before. A man of understand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
th<strong>in</strong>ks deeper than just what you said or did.<br />
He knows how to probe beneath <strong>the</strong> surface.<br />
Some might call this f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g an “Accountability Partner.”<br />
For o<strong>the</strong>rs this means gett<strong>in</strong>g a “mentor.” Still, o<strong>the</strong>rs simply<br />
identify this as old-fashioned discipleship. Whatever<br />
label you give it, we must experience it if we are go<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
become wise. We must learn <strong>the</strong> beauty of mutual confession<br />
of s<strong>in</strong> and fervent prayer that br<strong>in</strong>gs heal<strong>in</strong>g to our<br />
sick hearts (James 5:16). We must learn what it means to<br />
f<strong>in</strong>d a small community that draws near to God and, with<br />
<strong>in</strong>tentionality and thoughtful words, stirs us up to live holy<br />
lives (Hebrews 10:24-25). And when we feel trapped <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong> of lust, we must learn <strong>the</strong> joy of be<strong>in</strong>g restored by<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs (Galatians 6:1).<br />
Our next chapter explores how to do this.<br />
1. The result of this <strong>in</strong>stance was <strong>the</strong> song “Hold Me, Jesus.”<br />
See http://www.youtube.com/user/marcosagostos#p/u/5/<br />
Py1kFQv07c4, start<strong>in</strong>g at <strong>the</strong> 3:40 mark.<br />
2. Tim Chester’s book, Clos<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> W<strong>in</strong>dow: Steps to Liv<strong>in</strong>g <strong>Porn</strong>-<br />
Free, is an excellent resource that addresses this dynamic.<br />
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Chapter 4: Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
In Greek mythology <strong>the</strong> stories of <strong>the</strong> Sirens were a favorite<br />
among sailors <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Mediterranean. The Sirens<br />
were div<strong>in</strong>e be<strong>in</strong>gs: captivat<strong>in</strong>g and beautiful women with<br />
bird-like w<strong>in</strong>gs. These creatures perched <strong>the</strong>mselves on<br />
a series of small islands somewhere off <strong>the</strong> coast of Italy.<br />
There <strong>the</strong>y sat not too far from <strong>the</strong> rocky cliffs, rest<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
a flowery meadow. What made <strong>the</strong> Sirens so enchant<strong>in</strong>g<br />
were <strong>the</strong>ir voices, <strong>the</strong>ir song. Ancient sources describe<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir “siren song”—a beautiful music that would compulsively<br />
lure sailors toward <strong>the</strong> island, only to have <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
ships capsize on <strong>the</strong> rocks.<br />
There’s a famous story about <strong>the</strong> Sirens <strong>in</strong> Homer’s The<br />
Odyssey. Odysseus, one of <strong>the</strong> champions of <strong>the</strong> Trojan<br />
War, is mak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> long journey home with his band<br />
of sailors. He is counseled by one of <strong>the</strong> goddesses to<br />
beware of <strong>the</strong> sweetness of <strong>the</strong> siren song. She says to<br />
him, “There is a great heap of dead men’s bones ly<strong>in</strong>g all<br />
around [<strong>the</strong> Sirens], with <strong>the</strong> flesh still rott<strong>in</strong>g off <strong>the</strong>m.”<br />
Tak<strong>in</strong>g her advice, Odysseus devises a plan to avoid <strong>the</strong><br />
Siren’s trap. First he plugs <strong>the</strong> ears of all his fellow sailors<br />
with wax. Then he commands his men to b<strong>in</strong>d him upright<br />
to <strong>the</strong> mast of <strong>the</strong> ship. He tells <strong>the</strong>m fur<strong>the</strong>r, “If I beg and<br />
pray you to set me free, <strong>the</strong>n b<strong>in</strong>d me more tightly still.”<br />
As Odysseus’ ship sails with<strong>in</strong> an earshot of <strong>the</strong> islands,<br />
suddenly <strong>the</strong> w<strong>in</strong>d falls <strong>in</strong>to a dead calm. The Sirens see<br />
Odysseus com<strong>in</strong>g and beg<strong>in</strong> s<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g. “Come here,” <strong>the</strong>y<br />
s<strong>in</strong>g, “No one ever sailed past us without stay<strong>in</strong>g to hear<br />
<strong>the</strong> enchant<strong>in</strong>g sweetness of our song.” Immediately Odysseus<br />
is caught <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir spell. He is overcome by <strong>the</strong> song<br />
and demands his men to set him free. But his men b<strong>in</strong>d<br />
him with stronger ropes until <strong>the</strong>y are out of <strong>the</strong> Sirens’<br />
range, and <strong>the</strong> trap is avoided.<br />
The Sirens still s<strong>in</strong>g today. It may not be <strong>the</strong> same for each<br />
man, but make no mistake about it: we are all enticed by<br />
th<strong>in</strong>gs of <strong>the</strong> world. Every man encounters temptation.<br />
Your Siren might be <strong>the</strong> lure of lust, or greed, or selfishness,<br />
or pride, or fear of man, or anger. We have those<br />
vices that just seem to grab at our hearts and easily ensnare<br />
us. The question isn’t whe<strong>the</strong>r we encounter temptations.<br />
The question is whe<strong>the</strong>r you will face <strong>the</strong>m alone.<br />
Odysseus needed his men for more than just mann<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong><br />
ship. He needed men who were will<strong>in</strong>g to help him fight<br />
temptation, to fight s<strong>in</strong>.<br />
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Real Friendship, Real Bro<strong>the</strong>rhood<br />
Who are your fellow sailors? Who’s on your boat? Who are<br />
you really liv<strong>in</strong>g life with? Who are you close to? It is often<br />
a problem, especially among men, that we don’t <strong>in</strong>tentionally<br />
seek out good friendships. Often we don’t seek out<br />
wise counsel unless we are seek<strong>in</strong>g “expert” advice. It is<br />
easier to stay on <strong>the</strong> surface with our so-called friends.<br />
The Bible has a lot to say about real friendship or real<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>rhood. The word “friend” means different th<strong>in</strong>gs to<br />
different people, especially <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Facebook culture we<br />
live <strong>in</strong>. The word “friend” <strong>in</strong> a social network world means<br />
“anyone who clicked <strong>the</strong> ‘accept’ button.” A friend on<br />
Facebook can be that guy who used to sit beh<strong>in</strong>d me <strong>in</strong><br />
seventh grade math class that I haven’t seen <strong>in</strong> 20 years.<br />
Even outside of <strong>the</strong> onl<strong>in</strong>e world, if you ask someone how<br />
many friends <strong>the</strong>y have, some might say, “Oh, I have dozens<br />
or even hundreds of friends.”<br />
But <strong>the</strong> book of proverbs offers us this warn<strong>in</strong>g: “A man of<br />
many companions may come to ru<strong>in</strong>, but <strong>the</strong>re is a friend<br />
who sticks closer than a bro<strong>the</strong>r” (Prov. 18:24).<br />
Friendship is more than be<strong>in</strong>g a mere acqua<strong>in</strong>tance. Solomon<br />
writes here, “A man of many companions may come<br />
to ru<strong>in</strong>.” If your friendship circle is a mile wide and an <strong>in</strong>ch<br />
deep, you may th<strong>in</strong>k you have good friendships, but you<br />
don’t have any true bro<strong>the</strong>rs. It is possible to feel all alone<br />
<strong>in</strong> a crowd.<br />
Isn’t this what we all want? A friend that sticks closer<br />
than a bro<strong>the</strong>r? That’s a rare jewel. It is a great bless<strong>in</strong>g to<br />
have those people who have been with you through all of<br />
life’s ebbs and flows, someone who knows how you tick,<br />
someone who is <strong>the</strong>re for you <strong>in</strong> good times and bad.<br />
This proverb really speaks to <strong>the</strong> program mentality of <strong>the</strong><br />
church. When our sense of Christian fellowship is limited<br />
to events, to conferences, to Sunday morn<strong>in</strong>g crowds, to<br />
<strong>the</strong> quarterly prayer breakfast, we are really miss<strong>in</strong>g out<br />
on someth<strong>in</strong>g, aren’t we? Often when <strong>the</strong> church sponsors<br />
its latest religious function, we can really build up a<br />
false sense of security. We can feel a sort of pseudo safety<br />
<strong>in</strong> numbers. Instead of pursu<strong>in</strong>g real friendship with o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
men, f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g men who can really know us, we th<strong>in</strong>k back<br />
to <strong>the</strong> latest religious function we attended and call that<br />
“fellowship.” So <strong>in</strong>stead of hav<strong>in</strong>g a few good friends who<br />
watch our back, we end up hav<strong>in</strong>g a hundred acqua<strong>in</strong>tances<br />
who know very little about who we really are.<br />
Of course, programs aren’t <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>mselves <strong>the</strong> problem.<br />
But if <strong>the</strong> programs don’t become a portal <strong>in</strong>to deeper<br />
friendships, we need to really evaluate <strong>the</strong>ir usefulness.<br />
Good friends aren’t just close friends, accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong><br />
proverbs. They must also be wise friends. “Whoever walks<br />
with <strong>the</strong> wise becomes wise, but <strong>the</strong> companion of fools<br />
will suffer harm” (Prov. 13:20). Some of us may have some<br />
really close friends, but are <strong>the</strong>y wise friends? Do your<br />
friendships make you wiser, or do <strong>the</strong>y reflect more of <strong>the</strong><br />
world’s values?<br />
Remember, wisdom is moral street-smarts: it’s practical,<br />
based on <strong>the</strong> experience of generations, and fruitful. Wisdom<br />
is not just mental discernment, it is moral skill with<br />
mental discernment. It’s both know<strong>in</strong>g what is best and<br />
why it’s best. A wise person is someone who has <strong>the</strong> motivation<br />
to live rightly.<br />
Are <strong>the</strong>se <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>d of people you call close friends? This<br />
proverb says when you walk closely with <strong>the</strong>se sort of<br />
people, you will become wise.<br />
Let’s cont<strong>in</strong>ue look<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> book of Proverbs. We’re go<strong>in</strong>g<br />
to list seven qualities from this book to keep <strong>in</strong> m<strong>in</strong>d<br />
when it comes to be<strong>in</strong>g and f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g a good friend.<br />
1. Good bro<strong>the</strong>rs are dependable.<br />
Bad ones are fair-wea<strong>the</strong>r friends.<br />
A friend loves at all times, and a bro<strong>the</strong>r is born<br />
for adversity (Prov. 17:17).<br />
A friend is one who loves. The word love here is <strong>the</strong> same<br />
word to describe <strong>the</strong> love between Jonathan and K<strong>in</strong>g David<br />
(Solomon’s fa<strong>the</strong>r): He loved David as he loved his own<br />
soul (1 Samuel 20:17). This is close friendship.<br />
But a friend doesn’t just love <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fair-wea<strong>the</strong>r times: a<br />
friend loves at all times. A friend is dependable and loyal.<br />
He’s <strong>the</strong>re for you when life falls apart. In fact, Solomon<br />
says, this is what bro<strong>the</strong>rhood was born for: times of adversity.<br />
This is why God gives us good friends.<br />
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Some of us have gone through hard times...really hard.<br />
And often it is <strong>in</strong> those hard times we f<strong>in</strong>d out who our real<br />
friends are. Some of us know this proverb to be true from<br />
bitter experience. Perhaps someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> your life fell apart:<br />
a marriage ended, you lost a job, you had a death <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
family, you were physically harmed. It was at that time that<br />
a good friend stayed by your side when th<strong>in</strong>gs were worst,<br />
and you felt as if that friendship was born for that moment.<br />
Isn’t this what we want <strong>in</strong> a friend? Consider this proverb:<br />
“What is desired <strong>in</strong> a man is steadfast love, and a poor<br />
man is better than a liar” (Prov. 19:22).<br />
Solomon is say<strong>in</strong>g, what people really like to see <strong>in</strong> friends<br />
is steadfast, unfail<strong>in</strong>g love. The word is hesed, and it<br />
means “radical loyalty.” It is <strong>the</strong> same loyalty that God is<br />
said to have for his people: His steadfast love endures<br />
forever. When he says a poor man is better than a liar, he’s<br />
say<strong>in</strong>g even a faithful friend who has noth<strong>in</strong>g is better than<br />
a man of wealth who says he’s faithful and <strong>the</strong>n turns his<br />
back on you.<br />
This is what people want <strong>in</strong> a friend: someone who reflects<br />
God’s character of loyalty, someone who sticks with you.<br />
2. Good bro<strong>the</strong>rs are honest about<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir s<strong>in</strong>. Bad bro<strong>the</strong>rs hide it.<br />
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not<br />
prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes<br />
<strong>the</strong>m will obta<strong>in</strong> mercy (Prov. 28:13).<br />
Friends confess s<strong>in</strong> to each o<strong>the</strong>r. Friends are accountable<br />
to one ano<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
Accountability is a buzzword <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Christian community,<br />
especially among men. But <strong>in</strong> order to do accountability<br />
well, we need to know what it is.<br />
Here’s a good def<strong>in</strong>ition of accountability: Accountability<br />
is be<strong>in</strong>g honest with trusted friends about our temptations,<br />
our s<strong>in</strong>s, and <strong>the</strong> state of our heart.<br />
There are all k<strong>in</strong>ds of games guys play when it comes to<br />
avoid<strong>in</strong>g real confession:<br />
»»<br />
For some it’s sheer avoidance. Some men are really<br />
good at just never gett<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>to discussions about<br />
personal s<strong>in</strong>. They keep th<strong>in</strong>gs on <strong>the</strong> surface and<br />
avoid gett<strong>in</strong>g personal. When <strong>the</strong>ir friends start<br />
gett<strong>in</strong>g personal, <strong>the</strong>y just shut up or plead <strong>the</strong> fifth.<br />
»»<br />
O<strong>the</strong>rs play <strong>the</strong> “We” game. They might get <strong>in</strong>to a<br />
conversation with <strong>the</strong>ir Christian bro<strong>the</strong>rs about a<br />
struggle <strong>the</strong>y have, and end up couch<strong>in</strong>g everyth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> “we” terms. “You know how it is when we are<br />
really tired or stressed out and we’re hang<strong>in</strong>g out<br />
onl<strong>in</strong>e, and we see a picture of a hot girl, and we<br />
just sort of click on it without th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g about it?<br />
Sometimes we just don’t have our defenses up.”<br />
That is not a confession. Instead, <strong>the</strong>y should<br />
start <strong>the</strong>ir sentences with “I.” “I have a problem.”<br />
“I shouldn’t do that.” “I was wrong.” “I s<strong>in</strong>ned<br />
when...”<br />
»»<br />
Some men keep <strong>the</strong>ir confessions at surface level.<br />
They tell someone just enough to soo<strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
consciences, but edit <strong>the</strong>mselves.<br />
»»<br />
Some confess <strong>the</strong>ir s<strong>in</strong> to o<strong>the</strong>rs but play <strong>the</strong><br />
elapsed-time-game. They do someth<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>y know<br />
is wrong and want to confess it to someone, but<br />
<strong>the</strong>y make sure to put a good week or so between<br />
<strong>the</strong> s<strong>in</strong> and <strong>the</strong> confession. That way, <strong>the</strong>y can<br />
build up a nice track record of behavior beforehand<br />
so <strong>the</strong>ir s<strong>in</strong> seems somehow less significant.<br />
»»<br />
Some people are really sly: <strong>the</strong>y play musical<br />
chairs with <strong>the</strong>ir accountability partners. They have<br />
more than one person <strong>the</strong>y confess <strong>the</strong>ir junk to, so<br />
no one person really has <strong>the</strong> whole picture of how<br />
bad <strong>the</strong>y are. They rotate through accountability<br />
partners, treat<strong>in</strong>g people like confessional booths.<br />
These games are deception—<strong>the</strong>y’re ly<strong>in</strong>g. It’s car<strong>in</strong>g<br />
more about personal image than honesty.<br />
Are you will<strong>in</strong>g to crucify your image to go deeper with<br />
your friendships? Are you will<strong>in</strong>g to give and receive honest<br />
confessions? Are you will<strong>in</strong>g to pursue bro<strong>the</strong>r-tobro<strong>the</strong>r<br />
accountability?<br />
At Covenant Eyes we hear hundreds of stories from men<br />
who have experienced this sort of freedom <strong>in</strong> confession<br />
as <strong>the</strong>y use our Accountability service. These guys have<br />
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<strong>the</strong> Covenant Eyes program on every computer or handheld<br />
device <strong>the</strong>y own, and on a weekly basis a good friend<br />
or a group of friends receives <strong>the</strong>ir Accountability Report<br />
of everywhere <strong>the</strong>y’ve been onl<strong>in</strong>e. As you can imag<strong>in</strong>e,<br />
it totally changes <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong>y use <strong>the</strong> Web. They th<strong>in</strong>k<br />
twice about everywhere <strong>the</strong>y visit, every l<strong>in</strong>k <strong>the</strong>y click on.<br />
More than this, when <strong>the</strong>y do go to a questionable website<br />
<strong>the</strong>y’ve already put <strong>the</strong> measure <strong>in</strong> place for honesty:<br />
<strong>the</strong>re’s no gett<strong>in</strong>g around it. When <strong>the</strong>ir partner gets a report<br />
that says at 2:37 on Tuesday morn<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>y looked<br />
up “Sexy girls” on Google, <strong>the</strong>re’s no room for ambiguity.<br />
They can use this report to beg<strong>in</strong> hav<strong>in</strong>g an honest conversation.<br />
We drag our s<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>to<br />
<strong>the</strong> light before a safe<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>r because we<br />
know that someday all<br />
of it will be exposed<br />
to <strong>the</strong> light anyway.<br />
Remember what Paul<br />
said, “Each of us will<br />
give an account of himself<br />
to God” (Romans<br />
14:12), Christians <strong>in</strong>cluded.<br />
Some day we<br />
will stand before <strong>the</strong><br />
One whose eyes are<br />
like fire, who sees everyth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong>side us, and<br />
we can’t cloak our s<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong><br />
front of Him. Granted, if we are united with Christ we will<br />
enter <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> full bless<strong>in</strong>gs of eternal life, but we will give<br />
an account all <strong>the</strong> same. And right now, bro<strong>the</strong>r-to-bro<strong>the</strong>r<br />
accountability is like a dress rehearsal for that great Day.<br />
We drag our s<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong> light before a safe bro<strong>the</strong>r because<br />
we know that someday all of it will be exposed to<br />
<strong>the</strong> light anyway.<br />
3. Good bro<strong>the</strong>rs are confidential.<br />
Bad bro<strong>the</strong>rs are gossips.<br />
All th<strong>in</strong>gs be<strong>in</strong>g said about confession, we need bro<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
we can depend on, bro<strong>the</strong>rs who will be confidential with<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>formation we give <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer<br />
separates close friends (Prov. 16:28).<br />
Don’t be close friends with a gossip. In 1 Tim. 5:13 <strong>the</strong>se<br />
people are called busybodies, people who just like to be<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> know, who like to be up on what’s happen<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong><br />
your life, who like to talk to o<strong>the</strong>rs about everyone else’s<br />
bus<strong>in</strong>ess. Some people just want to be close to you to be<br />
close to <strong>in</strong>formation about you.<br />
Confidentiality is vital for true bro<strong>the</strong>rs. It is so important,<br />
it should be a stated agreement between you and your<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>r: we will not share private <strong>in</strong>formation with anyone<br />
else.<br />
For some people, this is <strong>the</strong> biggest hang-up for gett<strong>in</strong>g<br />
close to someone else. Maybe <strong>the</strong>y’ve been burned <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
past. Maybe someone <strong>the</strong>y know has been burned. They<br />
just don’t know if <strong>the</strong>y can trust anyone.<br />
Let me affirm your suspicions: Yes, people are s<strong>in</strong>ful. Yes,<br />
people can let you down. Yes, you can unwisely give your<br />
trust to someone who breaks it. But <strong>the</strong> critical question is<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r you trust Christ as you pursue deep friendships.<br />
Say to yourself, “Despite my fears, I choose to believe<br />
that God has placed me <strong>in</strong>to a redeemed family, called <strong>the</strong><br />
church, among people who are be<strong>in</strong>g changed from <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>side out, and as I pray for discernment, God will guide<br />
me <strong>in</strong>to relationships with bro<strong>the</strong>rs with whom I can be<br />
completely honest.”<br />
4. Good bro<strong>the</strong>rs lov<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
confront. Bad bro<strong>the</strong>rs are<br />
spiritual wimps.<br />
Faithful are <strong>the</strong> wounds of a friend; profuse are<br />
<strong>the</strong> kisses of an enemy (Prov. 27:6).<br />
We must avoid <strong>the</strong> extreme of wimpy accountability. You<br />
may have had accountability relationships like this. You<br />
get toge<strong>the</strong>r and confess your latest blunder. Your friend<br />
confesses his s<strong>in</strong> too. You pat each o<strong>the</strong>r on <strong>the</strong> back, say<br />
everyth<strong>in</strong>g will be okay, and go home just as unmotivated<br />
as before to really do someth<strong>in</strong>g about your s<strong>in</strong>. You get<br />
back toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> next week with <strong>the</strong> same sad story.<br />
In <strong>the</strong>se sorts of friendships all we’re look<strong>in</strong>g for is absolution.<br />
We just want to commiserate with someone over our<br />
s<strong>in</strong> and get someth<strong>in</strong>g off our chest. We just want to have<br />
someone tell us our s<strong>in</strong>s are forgiven.<br />
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Now, it isn’t a bad th<strong>in</strong>g to want an affirm<strong>in</strong>g word. We<br />
should be rem<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g one ano<strong>the</strong>r of <strong>the</strong> grace of Christ<br />
and His forgiveness. But a good bro<strong>the</strong>r wisely knows that<br />
we don’t need cheap peace.<br />
A wise bro<strong>the</strong>r confronts our s<strong>in</strong>. “Faithful are <strong>the</strong> wounds<br />
of a friend.” When a friend wounds your pride, it’s not <strong>in</strong>tended<br />
to harm you, but to heal you. When you need a<br />
new heart, you don’t need a pharmacist to give you pa<strong>in</strong><br />
medication that masks <strong>the</strong> problem; you need a heart surgeon<br />
to cut you open. Does be<strong>in</strong>g rebuked hurt? You bet.<br />
But it’s a good wound.<br />
Remember this proverb: “Iron sharpens iron, and one man<br />
sharpens ano<strong>the</strong>r” (Prov. 27:17). How does iron sharpen<br />
iron? With friction. Sparks might fly. But <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> end, <strong>the</strong><br />
blade is sharper. Real friends are will<strong>in</strong>g to risk some friction<br />
with you because <strong>the</strong>y love you more than w<strong>in</strong>n<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a popularity contest. They don’t shy away from <strong>the</strong> hard<br />
conversation. They wisely know how to confront a s<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>y<br />
see <strong>in</strong> your life without condemn<strong>in</strong>g you. A wise friend expects<br />
change <strong>in</strong> your life, <strong>in</strong> your character.<br />
C.S. Lewis said, “You will not f<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> warrior, <strong>the</strong> poet, <strong>the</strong><br />
philosopher or <strong>the</strong> Christian by star<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> his eyes as if he<br />
were your mistress: better fight beside him, read with him,<br />
argue with him, pray with him.” We need to be bro<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
who fight s<strong>in</strong> toge<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
That be<strong>in</strong>g said...<br />
5. Good bro<strong>the</strong>rs know when to<br />
cut you slack. Bad bro<strong>the</strong>rs have a<br />
“cop mentality.”<br />
Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he<br />
who repeats a matter separates close friends<br />
(Prov. 17:9).<br />
True friends know how to pick <strong>the</strong>ir battles. Sometimes<br />
you just have to let stuff go. Sometimes accountability<br />
partners can br<strong>in</strong>g a cop mentality <strong>in</strong>to <strong>the</strong>ir friendships.<br />
They are nit-picky. Like this proverb says, <strong>the</strong>y repeat your<br />
s<strong>in</strong>s back to you over and over. They don’t let stuff go.<br />
They po<strong>in</strong>t out every little th<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>y see that’s wrong with<br />
you. It seems like <strong>the</strong>y are out to get you.<br />
Listen to this story from Nate Lark<strong>in</strong>’s book, Samson and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Pirate Monks (p.187):<br />
You’ve probably seen that poor fellow who<br />
decided one day to be honest <strong>in</strong> a Christian<br />
meet<strong>in</strong>g. Maybe he’d been caught <strong>in</strong> a s<strong>in</strong>, so he<br />
really had noth<strong>in</strong>g left to lose, or perhaps he was<br />
so plagued by guilt that he decided to take <strong>the</strong><br />
church’s rhetoric about grace and forgiveness at<br />
face value and bare his soul <strong>in</strong> a desperate bid for<br />
freedom.<br />
I remember a guy who did that. As soon as <strong>the</strong><br />
fateful words were uttered he looked around,<br />
hop<strong>in</strong>g somebody would say, “Me too,” but all<br />
he heard were crickets. After a pause, a curious<br />
<strong>in</strong>vestigator launched <strong>in</strong>to spiritual crossexam<strong>in</strong>ation.<br />
Then a few concerned “ex-s<strong>in</strong>ners”<br />
ga<strong>the</strong>red around him and preached a series of<br />
sermons disguised as prayers. F<strong>in</strong>ally, a helpful<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>r prescribed three Scripture verses to be<br />
taken <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> morn<strong>in</strong>g and at bedtime. Later, <strong>the</strong><br />
guy was assigned a probation officer—excuse<br />
me, an “accountability partner”—who would<br />
check <strong>in</strong> on him for a few weeks to make sure he<br />
had actually turned around. [...]<br />
To make matters worse, as he left <strong>the</strong> meet<strong>in</strong>g<br />
that poor guy was struck by <strong>the</strong> realization that<br />
he had just volunteered to become <strong>the</strong> church’s<br />
new topic of conversation. Suddenly he knew<br />
that telephone l<strong>in</strong>es were already humm<strong>in</strong>g with<br />
<strong>the</strong> latest “prayer request.” Next Sunday, his<br />
suspicions were confirmed. The sidelong glances,<br />
<strong>the</strong> awkward silences, <strong>the</strong> careful distances kept<br />
by his former associates, <strong>the</strong>ir wives, and o<strong>the</strong>rs,<br />
verified that his disclosure was now common<br />
currency <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> congregation.<br />
This men’s group did not understand <strong>the</strong> mean<strong>in</strong>g of <strong>the</strong><br />
words, “Whoever covers an offense seeks love.” Sometimes<br />
love is better served by silence. Sometimes what we<br />
need is empathy, not a sermon.<br />
A cop is someone who is just look<strong>in</strong>g over your shoulder<br />
for you to screw up. We don’t need any more account-<br />
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ability cops <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> church. We have come up with very<br />
religious and sanitized ways of be<strong>in</strong>g a jerk to someone.<br />
But a real friend isn’t someone who merely polices your<br />
life. Good accountability partners are fellow travelers, not<br />
cops. A real friend is someone who gets <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> vehicle with<br />
you, helps you drive <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> l<strong>in</strong>es, travels with you <strong>in</strong> life <strong>in</strong><br />
good times and bad, helps you look out for <strong>the</strong> potholes,<br />
helps you read <strong>the</strong> road signs, and helps you get to where<br />
you are go<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
A good friend learns how to balance both confrontation<br />
and compassion, persistence and patience.<br />
6. Good bro<strong>the</strong>rs are realists. Bad<br />
bro<strong>the</strong>rs are foolishly cheery.<br />
Whoever s<strong>in</strong>gs songs to a heavy heart is like one<br />
who takes off a garment on a cold day, and like<br />
v<strong>in</strong>egar on soda (Prov. 25:20).<br />
This proverb is talk<strong>in</strong>g about <strong>the</strong> overly cheery friend. It<br />
likens this k<strong>in</strong>d of person to tak<strong>in</strong>g off a garment on a cold<br />
day, stripp<strong>in</strong>g you of <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>d of warmth you need. It likens<br />
this person to mix<strong>in</strong>g v<strong>in</strong>egar with wash<strong>in</strong>g soda: it<br />
neutralizes it, mak<strong>in</strong>g it basically useless. You know <strong>the</strong>se<br />
sorts of friends:<br />
»»<br />
It could be <strong>the</strong> look-on-<strong>the</strong>-bright-side guy. You tell<br />
him you’ve just lost your job and he says, “Well, at<br />
least you have your health.” Thanks.<br />
»»<br />
It could be <strong>the</strong> class-clown guy. There’s not a<br />
serious moment with him. You tell him someth<strong>in</strong>g<br />
serious and he cracks a joke <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> name of good<br />
fun.<br />
»»<br />
It could be <strong>the</strong> super-spiritual guy. Confess some<br />
struggle you’re hav<strong>in</strong>g and all he can say is, “Well,<br />
praise God <strong>in</strong> all circumstances.” Aga<strong>in</strong>, thanks.<br />
Of course, good friends don’t want o<strong>the</strong>rs to stay <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
muck of depression, but this proverb is about <strong>the</strong> superficial,<br />
s<strong>in</strong>g-songy friend who glosses over your heavy heart.<br />
We’ve talked about <strong>the</strong> wimpy accountability partner and<br />
<strong>the</strong> legalistic accountability partner; this is <strong>the</strong> cheery accountability<br />
partner.<br />
We don’t need a wimp; we need someone who lov<strong>in</strong>gly<br />
confronts us <strong>in</strong> our s<strong>in</strong>.<br />
We don’t need a legalistic cop; we need someone who is<br />
compassionate and patient.<br />
And we also don’t need<br />
an eternal optimist; we<br />
need a realist. A realist<br />
is someone who knows<br />
<strong>the</strong>re is more to life than<br />
just feel<strong>in</strong>g good. If feel<strong>in</strong>g<br />
good is all we need, <strong>the</strong>n foolish optimism is <strong>the</strong> best<br />
medic<strong>in</strong>e. But a real bro<strong>the</strong>r wants us to be good, not just<br />
feel good. He doesn’t want to put a colorful Band-Aid over<br />
an open wound. Instead he wants to help you dress it.<br />
This leads to <strong>the</strong> last po<strong>in</strong>t . . .<br />
A real bro<strong>the</strong>r wants<br />
us to be good, not just<br />
feel good.<br />
7. Good bro<strong>the</strong>rs focus on your<br />
heart. Bad bro<strong>the</strong>rs see only <strong>the</strong><br />
surface.<br />
The purpose <strong>in</strong> a man’s heart is like deep water,<br />
but a man of understand<strong>in</strong>g will draw it out<br />
(Prov. 20:5).<br />
As we mentioned <strong>in</strong> our last chapter, this proverb speaks<br />
of <strong>the</strong> depths of <strong>the</strong> human heart. Why do we do what we<br />
do? What really motivates us deep down? Why are we<br />
tempted by this th<strong>in</strong>g or that? What makes a s<strong>in</strong> so attractive?<br />
Where does our anger comes from? Our fears?<br />
Our crav<strong>in</strong>gs? Our hearts are like deep water. Look all you<br />
want, you cannot see <strong>the</strong> bottom.<br />
But a man of understand<strong>in</strong>g is someone who helps you<br />
discern <strong>the</strong> motives of your heart. A man of understand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
th<strong>in</strong>ks deeper than just what you said or did. He knows<br />
how to probe beneath <strong>the</strong> surface. He not only seeks<br />
God’s wisdom, he seeks to know you.<br />
What is a “man of understand<strong>in</strong>g” like? The book of Proverbs<br />
says we identify <strong>the</strong>se friends by how <strong>the</strong>y live. A<br />
man of understand<strong>in</strong>g:<br />
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»»<br />
Knows when he lacks wisdom. He seeks<br />
understand<strong>in</strong>g diligently (Prov. 2:3).<br />
»»<br />
Doesn’t slander, deride, or use rash words. He<br />
knows how to hold his tongue (Prov. 11:12; 17:27).<br />
»»<br />
Doesn’t f<strong>in</strong>d humor <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> th<strong>in</strong>gs God calls folly. He<br />
f<strong>in</strong>ds pleasure <strong>in</strong> wise liv<strong>in</strong>g (Prov. 10:23; 15:21).<br />
»»<br />
Is patient, not quick-tempered (Prov. 14:29).<br />
These sorts of friendships aren’t built overnight. You don’t<br />
meet someone today who can discern <strong>the</strong> motives of your<br />
heart tomorrow. But this is <strong>the</strong> goal we need to strive towards:<br />
to be bro<strong>the</strong>rs who know one ano<strong>the</strong>r so well that<br />
we become men of understand<strong>in</strong>g to each o<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
We need to start small and work up. Experience shows<br />
that every friendship goes through different levels of communication.<br />
1. It starts with cliché communication. “How are<br />
you?” “I’m f<strong>in</strong>e.” “How’s <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r.”<br />
2. It moves to fact communication. This is<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation about th<strong>in</strong>gs go<strong>in</strong>g on <strong>in</strong> our lives or <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> world. It’s more than cliché comments, but it<br />
also doesn’t <strong>in</strong>volve deep th<strong>in</strong>k<strong>in</strong>g or feel<strong>in</strong>g. “The<br />
stock market climbed this week.” “I heard Bob<br />
was sick.” “The game is this Saturday.” “I have a<br />
wife and two kids.”<br />
3. Then it moves to belief communication. This is<br />
where you start talk<strong>in</strong>g about op<strong>in</strong>ions. “I agree<br />
with you.” “I loved that movie.” “I th<strong>in</strong>k abortion is<br />
wrong.” These are your commentaries. This may<br />
be where friction is first experienced as differences<br />
of op<strong>in</strong>ion arise.<br />
4. Then it moves to feel<strong>in</strong>g communication. This<br />
is where we start show<strong>in</strong>g each o<strong>the</strong>r emotion. A<br />
belief statement might be: “I’m really struggl<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> this area.” A feel<strong>in</strong>g statement might be: “I’m<br />
really struggl<strong>in</strong>g and feel so depressed right now.”<br />
This is <strong>the</strong> stage where <strong>the</strong> walls come down.<br />
5. F<strong>in</strong>ally, <strong>the</strong>re is transparency. This is when<br />
you’ve built up a habit of communication and<br />
you establish a rout<strong>in</strong>e of regularly shar<strong>in</strong>g your<br />
dreams, confess<strong>in</strong>g your s<strong>in</strong>, confront<strong>in</strong>g one<br />
ano<strong>the</strong>r, and encourag<strong>in</strong>g one ano<strong>the</strong>r at <strong>the</strong> heart<br />
level.<br />
Where do you start? As you are build<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>se sorts of<br />
friendships, remember real friendship is born out of a mutual<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest. If you make friendship your focus, you’ll never<br />
f<strong>in</strong>d it. But if you and ano<strong>the</strong>r person pursue a common<br />
goal, friendship may be <strong>the</strong> result. In his book, The Four<br />
Loves, C.S. Lewis said this is one of <strong>the</strong> differences between<br />
<strong>the</strong> love friends share and <strong>the</strong> love married couples<br />
share. Lovers are normally face to face, absorbed <strong>in</strong> each<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r. Friends are side by side, absorbed <strong>in</strong> a common<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest. They share <strong>the</strong> same enthusiasm for someth<strong>in</strong>g,<br />
a hobby, a topic, or a cause.<br />
We need to be <strong>in</strong>tentional about pursu<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> best k<strong>in</strong>d<br />
friendships. We need to be <strong>in</strong>tentional about gett<strong>in</strong>g toge<strong>the</strong>r,<br />
talk<strong>in</strong>g toge<strong>the</strong>r, and gett<strong>in</strong>g to know one ano<strong>the</strong>r.<br />
This means that outside of pursu<strong>in</strong>g your common <strong>in</strong>terest,<br />
it may be helpful to get toge<strong>the</strong>r regularly, just to talk.<br />
For discussion purposes, start with what you are learn<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> this book. Go through <strong>the</strong>se proverbs and talk about<br />
what it might look like to be closer, wiser friends.<br />
Do<strong>in</strong>g so will help us become men of understand<strong>in</strong>g who<br />
are able to dive deeper <strong>in</strong>to one ano<strong>the</strong>r’s hearts.<br />
A Practical Example<br />
Here’s an example of this from someone who uses our<br />
Accountability service:<br />
The o<strong>the</strong>r day I received a Covenant Eyes report<br />
for one of my bro<strong>the</strong>rs and it looked as though<br />
he had visited a site, based on <strong>the</strong> name listed <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> report, which was pornographic. He <strong>in</strong>sisted<br />
he had not visited any porn sites that week, so I<br />
checked <strong>the</strong> site. In truth it was not pornographic;<br />
ra<strong>the</strong>r it was a site ma<strong>in</strong>ly targeted toward women<br />
which had articles about relationships.<br />
I brea<strong>the</strong>d a sigh of relief, but ra<strong>the</strong>r than simply<br />
move on, I asked him about <strong>the</strong> articles he had<br />
read. What resulted was a really good conversation<br />
about <strong>the</strong> lonel<strong>in</strong>ess <strong>in</strong> his heart, about want<strong>in</strong>g<br />
a quality relationship with a woman, and an<br />
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admission that he sometimes struggles to “stay<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> fight.” We were able to talk about feel<strong>in</strong>g<br />
empty and be<strong>in</strong>g made complete <strong>in</strong> Christ. He<br />
was able see that, while technically not lust, his<br />
read<strong>in</strong>g of those articles was connected to his<br />
efforts to f<strong>in</strong>d acceptance, approval, significance<br />
and even completion <strong>in</strong> a woman.<br />
Address<strong>in</strong>g those deeper long<strong>in</strong>gs got us to <strong>the</strong><br />
root of what has fueled his porn <strong>in</strong>dulgence over<br />
<strong>the</strong> years, as well as his general desire to have a<br />
woman <strong>in</strong> his life as a means of personal security.<br />
It was all below <strong>the</strong> waterl<strong>in</strong>e just wait<strong>in</strong>g to be<br />
discovered. That conversation was a moment of<br />
real significance, full of <strong>the</strong> potential for change.<br />
It happened because <strong>the</strong> best accountability is<br />
conversational.<br />
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be and have those sorts of<br />
friends?<br />
Your Sail<strong>in</strong>g Companions<br />
We started with <strong>the</strong> story of Odysseus, but <strong>the</strong>re’s ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
famous story about <strong>the</strong> Sirens. This comes from <strong>the</strong> story<br />
of Jason and <strong>the</strong> Argonauts. The capta<strong>in</strong>, Jason, was<br />
warned about <strong>the</strong> Sirens beforehand, so he prepared himself<br />
and his shipmates for <strong>the</strong> encounter. As <strong>the</strong>y sailed<br />
along, a fresh breeze suddenly began to blow, and <strong>the</strong>y<br />
saw <strong>the</strong> island. The Sirens spotted Jason’s ship and began<br />
to s<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>the</strong>ir seductive voices. The sailors were<br />
overcome with desire and were ready to cast <strong>the</strong>ir ropes<br />
from <strong>the</strong> boat to <strong>the</strong> shore.<br />
But Jason had brought aboard his ship <strong>the</strong> legendary Orpheus.<br />
Orpheus was a man known throughout <strong>the</strong> world<br />
for his gift of music, his ability to play <strong>the</strong> str<strong>in</strong>ged lyre. As<br />
<strong>the</strong> story goes, <strong>the</strong> men began to be overcome with <strong>the</strong><br />
sound of <strong>the</strong> Siren’s voice, but Orpheus pulled out his lyre<br />
and played a melody that filled <strong>the</strong> sailor’s ears, “and <strong>the</strong><br />
lyre overcame <strong>the</strong> maidens’ voice.” Orpheus’ song overcame<br />
<strong>the</strong> spell, and disaster was averted.<br />
How did Odysseus deal with temptation? He had friends<br />
around him who were will<strong>in</strong>g to b<strong>in</strong>d him with stronger<br />
ropes. When we have <strong>the</strong>se sorts of friends this is a great<br />
bless<strong>in</strong>g. It’s great to have those friends who can help<br />
us change our behavior. But <strong>the</strong> Bible speaks of a sort<br />
of fellowship that is better. How did Jason deal with <strong>the</strong><br />
temptation? How did he defeat <strong>the</strong> spell of <strong>the</strong> Sirens? He<br />
knew <strong>the</strong> only way to fight a spell is with a greater spell.<br />
He didn’t look for stronger ropes. He brought along a more<br />
enchant<strong>in</strong>g song.<br />
This is <strong>the</strong> sort of change <strong>the</strong> Bible promises us: not just<br />
chang<strong>in</strong>g our behavior, but actually chang<strong>in</strong>g our hearts.<br />
The gospel offers us better promises than <strong>the</strong> false promises<br />
of s<strong>in</strong>. It is those better promises that captivate our<br />
hearts, put us under a new spell. As C.S. Lewis wrote,<br />
“[R]emember your fairy tales. Spells are used for break<strong>in</strong>g<br />
enchantments as well as for <strong>in</strong>duc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong>m. And you and I<br />
have need of <strong>the</strong> strongest spell that can be found to wake<br />
us from <strong>the</strong> evil enchantment of worldl<strong>in</strong>ess.” That stronger<br />
spell is <strong>the</strong> wonder and majesty of Christ. And when<br />
we have gospel-centered friends, <strong>the</strong>y are able to not just<br />
get us to change our behavior, <strong>the</strong>y are able to po<strong>in</strong>t us to<br />
<strong>the</strong> One who is more satisfy<strong>in</strong>g than s<strong>in</strong>.<br />
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Appendix A: <strong>Porn</strong>ography Statistics<br />
Statistics can be very compell<strong>in</strong>g if used properly. Below<br />
are some statistics that can be used <strong>in</strong> a sermon or presentation<br />
to your church or m<strong>in</strong>istry.<br />
<strong>Porn</strong> is Big Bus<strong>in</strong>ess<br />
In 2006, <strong>the</strong> president of <strong>the</strong> Adult Video Network said <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry as a whole was br<strong>in</strong>g<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> about $13 billion per<br />
year. 1 If you compare that to total gross <strong>in</strong>come for Hollywood<br />
movies, that’s over twice as much as <strong>the</strong> top 60<br />
movies from 2006. That year alone about 7,000 new adult<br />
movies were released on DVD. 2<br />
Internet <strong>Porn</strong>ography<br />
In 2004 <strong>the</strong>re were about 1.6 million porn sites, 17 times<br />
greater than just four years before. 3 Who knows how many<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are today?<br />
A large portion of pornography profits come from sales on<br />
<strong>the</strong> Internet. Onl<strong>in</strong>e porn generates about $3 billion every<br />
year. 4 In 2009, <strong>the</strong> Free Speech Coalition said, “The adult<br />
Internet is <strong>the</strong> fastest expand<strong>in</strong>g segment of <strong>the</strong> U.S. adult<br />
enterta<strong>in</strong>ment market.” 5<br />
In 2002, <strong>the</strong> Frontl<strong>in</strong>e documentary “American <strong>Porn</strong>” <strong>in</strong>terviewed<br />
both Larry Flynt, founder of Hustler Magaz<strong>in</strong>e, and<br />
Danni Ashe, a former stripper and owner of a multi-million<br />
dollar porn franchise (and <strong>the</strong>n-holder of <strong>the</strong> Gu<strong>in</strong>ness<br />
World Record for most downloaded woman on <strong>the</strong> Web).<br />
Both Flynt and Ashe credit <strong>the</strong> 1990s explosion of adult<br />
material to <strong>the</strong> ease of view<strong>in</strong>g and order<strong>in</strong>g porn from <strong>the</strong><br />
Internet. 6<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to Kirk Doran, Assistant Professor <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Department<br />
of Economics at <strong>the</strong> University of Notre Dame,<br />
an estimated 80 to 90% of those who visit pornographic<br />
websites only access <strong>the</strong> free material. 7<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to a survey published <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Journal of <strong>the</strong><br />
American Psychological Association, 86% of men are<br />
likely to click on Internet sex sites if given <strong>the</strong> opportunity. 8<br />
There was an <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g study released <strong>in</strong> The Journal of<br />
Economic Perspectives, where someone looked at credit<br />
card receipts from a top adult enterta<strong>in</strong>ment seller over a<br />
period of two years. This reflected people pay<strong>in</strong>g for subscriptions<br />
to pornographic websites. There were higher<br />
percentages of subscriptions <strong>in</strong> zip codes that…<br />
»»<br />
Have experienced an <strong>in</strong>crease <strong>in</strong> higher than<br />
average household <strong>in</strong>come.<br />
»»<br />
Have greater density of young people (ages 15-24).<br />
»»<br />
Have higher measures of “social capital” (i.e. more<br />
people that donate blood, engage <strong>in</strong> volunteer<br />
activities, participate <strong>in</strong> community projects, etc.).<br />
»»<br />
Have enacted conservative legislation on sexuality<br />
(such as “defense of marriage” amendments) or<br />
have conservative positions on religion and gender<br />
roles.<br />
There were no statistical <strong>in</strong>creases or decreases <strong>in</strong> porn<br />
subscriptions based on vot<strong>in</strong>g for <strong>the</strong> 2004 presidential<br />
elections or regions where people regularly attend religious<br />
services. 9<br />
<strong>Porn</strong>ography’s Impact on Marriage<br />
The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (divorce<br />
lawyers) reported salient factors present <strong>in</strong> divorce cases<br />
today. 10<br />
»»<br />
68% of <strong>the</strong> divorces <strong>in</strong>volved one party meet<strong>in</strong>g a<br />
new lover over <strong>the</strong> Internet.<br />
»»<br />
56% <strong>in</strong>volved one party hav<strong>in</strong>g “an obsessive<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest <strong>in</strong> pornographic websites.”<br />
»»<br />
47% <strong>in</strong>volved spend<strong>in</strong>g excessive time on <strong>the</strong><br />
computer.<br />
»»<br />
33% <strong>in</strong>volved excessive time spent <strong>in</strong> onl<strong>in</strong>e chat<br />
rooms.<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> Journal of Adolescent Health, prolonged<br />
exposure to pornography leads to:<br />
» » An exaggerated perception of sexual activity <strong>in</strong><br />
society.<br />
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»»<br />
Dim<strong>in</strong>ished trust between <strong>in</strong>timate couples.<br />
»»<br />
The abandonment of <strong>the</strong> hope of sexual monogamy.<br />
»»<br />
Belief that promiscuity is <strong>the</strong> natural state.<br />
»»<br />
Belief that abst<strong>in</strong>ence and sexual <strong>in</strong>activity are<br />
unhealthy.<br />
»»<br />
Cynicism about love or <strong>the</strong> need for affection<br />
between sexual partners.<br />
»»<br />
Belief that marriage is sexually conf<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g.<br />
»»<br />
Lack of attraction to family and child-rais<strong>in</strong>g. 11<br />
Many wives of porn users develop deep psychological<br />
wounds, report<strong>in</strong>g feel<strong>in</strong>gs of betrayal, loss, depression,<br />
mistrust, devastation, anger, and sexual <strong>in</strong>adequacy.<br />
More than half of those engaged <strong>in</strong> cybersex lose <strong>in</strong>terest<br />
<strong>in</strong> sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse, and one-third of <strong>the</strong>ir partners lose<br />
<strong>in</strong>terest as well. 12<br />
<strong>Porn</strong>ography’s Impact on Teens<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to a study cited <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Wash<strong>in</strong>gton Post, more<br />
than 11 million teenagers view Internet pornography on a<br />
regular basis. 13<br />
In a survey of college students, 82% of men said <strong>the</strong>y had<br />
been exposed to pornography by age 14. In <strong>the</strong> same survey<br />
that <strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>the</strong> op<strong>in</strong>ions of 11,000 college females,<br />
52 percent of <strong>the</strong> women said <strong>the</strong>y had been exposed to<br />
pornography by age 14. 14<br />
When a child or adolescent is directly exposed to pornography<br />
<strong>the</strong> follow<strong>in</strong>g effects have been documented:<br />
»»<br />
Last<strong>in</strong>g negative or traumatic emotional responses.<br />
»»<br />
Earlier onset of first sexual <strong>in</strong>tercourse, <strong>the</strong>reby<br />
<strong>in</strong>creas<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> risk of STDs over <strong>the</strong> lifespan.<br />
»»<br />
The belief that superior sexual satisfaction is<br />
atta<strong>in</strong>able without hav<strong>in</strong>g affection for one’s<br />
partner, <strong>the</strong>reby re<strong>in</strong>forc<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> commoditization of<br />
sex and <strong>the</strong> objectification of humans.<br />
»»<br />
The belief that be<strong>in</strong>g married or hav<strong>in</strong>g a family are<br />
unattractive prospects.<br />
»»<br />
Increased risk for develop<strong>in</strong>g sexual compulsions<br />
and addictive behavior.<br />
»»<br />
An <strong>in</strong>ability to contextualize <strong>in</strong>correct <strong>in</strong>formation<br />
about human sexuality as an adult bra<strong>in</strong> would.<br />
»»<br />
Overestimat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> prevalence of less common<br />
practices (e.g., group sex, bestiality, or sadomasochistic<br />
activity). 15<br />
<strong>Porn</strong>ography’s Impact on Work<br />
70% of Internet porn traffic occurs between 9 a.m. and 5<br />
p.m., when most people are at work. 16<br />
Half of Fortune 500 companies have dealt with at least<br />
one <strong>in</strong>cident related to computer porn over a 12-month<br />
period. Offenders were fired <strong>in</strong> 44% of <strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>cidents and<br />
discipl<strong>in</strong>ed <strong>in</strong> 41% of <strong>the</strong> cases. 17<br />
In 2009, <strong>the</strong> agency <strong>in</strong>spector of <strong>the</strong> National Science<br />
Foundation (NSF) had to shift his primary focus from grant<br />
fraud to f<strong>in</strong>d<strong>in</strong>g out who was us<strong>in</strong>g government computers<br />
to search for porn. 18<br />
»»<br />
Deputy Inspector General Tim Cross said, “We<br />
were consumed with a lot of <strong>the</strong>se cases.”<br />
»»<br />
One senior executive spent at least 331 days<br />
look<strong>in</strong>g at pornography and chatt<strong>in</strong>g onl<strong>in</strong>e with<br />
partially clad or nude women (his “humanitarian”<br />
defense was that he frequented <strong>the</strong> porn sites to<br />
provide a liv<strong>in</strong>g to <strong>the</strong> poor overseas women); this<br />
cost taxpayers anywhere from $13,800 to $58,000.<br />
»»<br />
One worker perused hundreds of pornographic<br />
websites dur<strong>in</strong>g work hours <strong>in</strong> a three-week time<br />
frame <strong>in</strong> June 2008; that employee received a 10-<br />
day suspension.<br />
»»<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r employee was caught with hundreds of<br />
pictures, videos and even PowerPo<strong>in</strong>t slide shows<br />
conta<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g pornography.<br />
»»<br />
Ano<strong>the</strong>r employee stored nude images of herself<br />
on her computer.<br />
In 2010, an <strong>in</strong>ternal <strong>in</strong>vestigation of <strong>the</strong> Securities and<br />
Exchange Commission (SEC) found 31 serious offenders<br />
<strong>Porn</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pews</strong> • © 2010 CovenantEyes<br />
29
over <strong>the</strong> past two and a half years, 17 of which were senior<br />
officers with 6-figure salaries. 19 Most of <strong>the</strong>se cases<br />
began <strong>in</strong> 2008, around <strong>the</strong> time <strong>the</strong> f<strong>in</strong>ancial eng<strong>in</strong>es of <strong>the</strong><br />
U.S. economy started to fail.<br />
<strong>Porn</strong>ography is Prostitution<br />
Noel Bouché, Vice President of <strong>the</strong> pureHOPE, said <strong>in</strong> an<br />
<strong>in</strong>terview:<br />
<strong>Porn</strong>ography is not about sex, broadly. If you<br />
look at <strong>the</strong> etymology of <strong>the</strong> word, “pornography”<br />
comes from <strong>the</strong> Greek pornographos, which<br />
is “writ<strong>in</strong>gs about prostitutes.” So when we’re<br />
talk<strong>in</strong>g about pornography, we’re talk<strong>in</strong>g about a<br />
very specific form of sex—<strong>in</strong>deed, illicit sex, and<br />
a type of sex that is illegal throughout most of <strong>the</strong><br />
world. It’s <strong>the</strong> prostitution of human be<strong>in</strong>gs [...]<br />
And so I th<strong>in</strong>k, when we’re talk<strong>in</strong>g about chang<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> dialogue and help<strong>in</strong>g people understand<br />
what <strong>the</strong>y’re actually participat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> when <strong>the</strong>y’re<br />
look<strong>in</strong>g at images on a screen and consum<strong>in</strong>g this<br />
material: <strong>the</strong>y are consum<strong>in</strong>g prostitution. They’re<br />
consum<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> prostitut<strong>in</strong>g of that young person<br />
that’s perform<strong>in</strong>g. They’re consum<strong>in</strong>g what is<br />
<strong>in</strong>herently an exploitative act. [...]<br />
You’ll see a situation like a Jenna Jamison or<br />
some of <strong>the</strong> porn stars that are really thrown <strong>in</strong>to<br />
our face that are everywhere: <strong>the</strong>y have memoirs,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y’re on cable television, and <strong>the</strong>y’re do<strong>in</strong>g this<br />
all with a smile. But beh<strong>in</strong>d <strong>the</strong> scenes you’ve got<br />
thousands of women who are last<strong>in</strong>g perhaps 18<br />
months—that’s <strong>the</strong> average length for a woman<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> porn <strong>in</strong>dustry—18 months before <strong>the</strong>y fall<br />
out, before <strong>the</strong>y’re so broken, before <strong>the</strong>y’re so<br />
traumatized that <strong>the</strong>y can’t do it any longer. [...]<br />
Sex traffick<strong>in</strong>g, prostitution, stripp<strong>in</strong>g, pornography—<strong>the</strong>se<br />
th<strong>in</strong>gs exist because <strong>the</strong>re’s<br />
demand for <strong>the</strong>m, because society is demand<strong>in</strong>g<br />
this product, is demand<strong>in</strong>g sexually explicit,<br />
pornographic material. It’s demand<strong>in</strong>g a sexual<br />
outlet that is fed by <strong>the</strong>se various services. And<br />
I th<strong>in</strong>k it’s important to step back from that and<br />
connect <strong>the</strong>se dots, because not only is it not<br />
obvious at times, but also we create, I th<strong>in</strong>k <strong>in</strong> our<br />
own m<strong>in</strong>ds and socially, dist<strong>in</strong>ctions between <strong>the</strong>se<br />
various th<strong>in</strong>gs I just mentioned. And ultimately, it’s<br />
my belief that <strong>the</strong>se are false dist<strong>in</strong>ctions. These<br />
are false dist<strong>in</strong>ctions between pornography,<br />
prostitution, stripp<strong>in</strong>g, and traffick<strong>in</strong>g. Because<br />
<strong>the</strong>y all fall under this umbrella of commercial sex.<br />
These are all forms of commercial sex, which is<br />
essentially [...] <strong>the</strong> commodify<strong>in</strong>g of sex and <strong>the</strong><br />
person perform<strong>in</strong>g it, packag<strong>in</strong>g it, and sell<strong>in</strong>g it.<br />
Shelley Lubben, founder of <strong>the</strong> P<strong>in</strong>k Cross Foundation,<br />
reports:<br />
»»<br />
Only 17% of performers use condoms <strong>in</strong><br />
heterosexual adult films; <strong>in</strong> 2004, only two of<br />
<strong>the</strong> 200 adult film companies required <strong>the</strong> use of<br />
condoms.<br />
»»<br />
Dr. Sharon Mitchell confirms <strong>the</strong> STD prevalence<br />
<strong>in</strong> an <strong>in</strong>terview with Court TV, <strong>in</strong> which she states:<br />
66% of porn performers have Herpes, 12-28%<br />
have o<strong>the</strong>r sexually transmitted diseases, and 7%<br />
have HIV.<br />
»»<br />
<strong>Porn</strong> actress Er<strong>in</strong> Moore admits, “<strong>the</strong> drugs we<br />
b<strong>in</strong>ged on were Ecstasy, Coca<strong>in</strong>e, Marijuana,<br />
Xanax, Valium, Vicod<strong>in</strong> and alcohol.”<br />
»»<br />
Tanya Burleson, formerly known as Jersey Jax<strong>in</strong>,<br />
says, “Guys are punch<strong>in</strong>g you <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> face. You<br />
get ripped. Your <strong>in</strong>sides can come out of you. It’s<br />
never end<strong>in</strong>g. You’re viewed as an object—not as a<br />
human with a spirit. People do drugs because <strong>the</strong>y<br />
can’t deal with <strong>the</strong> way <strong>the</strong>y’re be<strong>in</strong>g treated.” 20<br />
In 2004, Dr. Mary Anne Layden reported before a Senate<br />
subcommittee:<br />
Once [<strong>the</strong> pornography actresses] are <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry <strong>the</strong>y have high rates of substance<br />
abuse, typically alcohol and coca<strong>in</strong>e, depression,<br />
borderl<strong>in</strong>e personality disorder. [...] The experience<br />
I f<strong>in</strong>d most common among <strong>the</strong> performers is<br />
that <strong>the</strong>y have to be drunk, high or dissociated<br />
<strong>in</strong> order to go to work. Their work environment is<br />
<strong>Porn</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pews</strong> • © 2010 CovenantEyes<br />
30
particularly toxic. [...] The terrible work life of <strong>the</strong><br />
pornography performer is often followed by an<br />
equally terrible home life. They have an <strong>in</strong>creased<br />
risk of sexually transmitted disease <strong>in</strong>clud<strong>in</strong>g<br />
HIV, domestic violence and have about a 25%<br />
chance of mak<strong>in</strong>g a marriage that lasts as long<br />
as 3 years. 21<br />
<strong>Porn</strong>ography and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Church</strong><br />
In 1994, a survey showed 91% of men raised <strong>in</strong> Christian<br />
homes were exposed to pornography while grow<strong>in</strong>g<br />
up (compared to 98% of those not raised <strong>in</strong> a Christian<br />
home). 22<br />
In March 2005 Christianity Today published <strong>the</strong> results of<br />
a study called “Christians and Sex” <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir Leadership<br />
Journal. Out of 680 pastors surveyed, 57% said addiction<br />
to pornography is <strong>the</strong> most sexually damag<strong>in</strong>g issue to<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir congregation. 23<br />
In August 2006, a survey reported 50% of all Christian<br />
men and 20% of all Christian women are addicted to pornography.<br />
60% of <strong>the</strong> women who answered <strong>the</strong> survey<br />
admitted to hav<strong>in</strong>g significant struggles with lust; 40%<br />
admitted to be<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> sexual s<strong>in</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> past year. 24<br />
In 2002, of 1,351 pastors surveyed, 54% said <strong>the</strong>y had<br />
viewed Internet pornography with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> last year, and 30%<br />
of <strong>the</strong>se had visited with<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> last 30 days. 25<br />
In 2003, Today’s Christian Woman reported: 26<br />
»»<br />
34% of female readers of Today’s Christian<br />
Woman’s onl<strong>in</strong>e newsletter admitted to <strong>in</strong>tentionally<br />
access<strong>in</strong>g Internet porn.<br />
»»<br />
Accord<strong>in</strong>g to a Zogby <strong>International</strong> survey, 17%<br />
of <strong>the</strong> female population are regular users of<br />
pornography.<br />
1. David Cay Johnston. “Indications of a Slowdown <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sex<br />
Enterta<strong>in</strong>ment Trade.” New York Times, Jan. 4, 2007. http://www.<br />
nytimes.com/2007/01/04/bus<strong>in</strong>ess/media/04porn.html (accessed<br />
Sept. 19, 2010).<br />
2. Matt Richtel. “In Raw World of Sex Movies, High Def<strong>in</strong>ition Could<br />
Be a View Too Real.” New York Times, Jan. 22, 2007. W http://<br />
www.nytimes.com/2007/01/22/bus<strong>in</strong>ess/media/22porn.html?_r=1<br />
(accessed Sept. 19, 2010).<br />
3. Jennifer Davies and David Washburn. “San Diego’s Adult<br />
Enterta<strong>in</strong>ment goes Uptown, Upscale and Onl<strong>in</strong>e (first of two<br />
parts).” SignOnSanDiego.com, Oct. 18, 2004. http://justfixit.<br />
uniontrib.com/news/metro/20041018-9999-lz1n18adult.html<br />
(accessed Sept. 19, 2010).<br />
4. Jon Mooallem. “A Discipl<strong>in</strong>ed Bus<strong>in</strong>ess.” New York Times, April 29,<br />
2007. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/29/magaz<strong>in</strong>e/29k<strong>in</strong>k.t.html<br />
(accessed Sept. 19, 2010).<br />
5. Free Speech Coalition. 23 Nov. 2009. http://www.docstoc.com/<br />
docs/6117965/Free-Speech-Coalition-WHITE-PAPER-A-Reporton-<strong>the</strong><br />
2006 (accessed Sept. 19, 2010).<br />
6. Frontl<strong>in</strong>e. Intro. to “American <strong>Porn</strong>,” 7 February 2002. http://www.<br />
pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontl<strong>in</strong>e/shows/porn/etc/synopsis.html<br />
(accessed Sept. 19, 2010).<br />
7. Kirk Doran. “The Economics of <strong>Porn</strong>ography.” Presented at<br />
“Social Costs of <strong>Porn</strong>ography,” Pr<strong>in</strong>ceton Univ., 11-13 Dec. 2008.<br />
Wi<strong>the</strong>rspoon Institute.<br />
8. Mark Kastleman. The Drug of <strong>the</strong> New Millennium, 2001, Granite<br />
Pub. Co., Columbus, NC<br />
9. Benjam<strong>in</strong> Edleman. “Red Light States: Who Buys Onl<strong>in</strong>e Adult<br />
Enterta<strong>in</strong>ment?” Journal of Economic Perspectives Vol. 23, Num.<br />
1, W<strong>in</strong>ter 2009, 209-220.<br />
10. Patrick F. Fagan. “The Effects of <strong>Porn</strong>ography on Individuals,<br />
Marriage, Family and Community.” Studies <strong>in</strong> Catholic Higher<br />
Education, Dec. 2009. http://www.scribd.com/doc/23930556/<br />
The-Effects-of-<strong>Porn</strong>ography-on-Individuals-Marriage-Family-and-<br />
Community (accessed Sept. 19, 2010).<br />
11. Dolf Zillmann. “Influence of Unrestra<strong>in</strong>ed Access to Erotica on<br />
Adolescents’ and Young Adults’ Dispositions toward Sexuality.”<br />
Journal of Adolescent Health, Vol. 27, Iss. 2, Supp. 1, pgs. 41-44),<br />
Aug. 2000.<br />
12. Jennifer P. Schneider. “Effects of Cybersex Addiction on <strong>the</strong><br />
Family: Results of a Survey,” Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity<br />
7, 2000, Pgs. 31-58. http://www.jenniferschneider.com/articles/<br />
cybersex_family.html (accessed Sept. 19, 2010).<br />
13. Ed Vitagliano. “Caught! Onl<strong>in</strong>e <strong>Porn</strong>, Predators Threaten Children,<br />
Teens.” American Family Association Journal, Jan. 2007. http://<br />
www.afajournal.org/2007/january/0107caught.asp (accessed Sept.<br />
19, 2010).<br />
14. Michael Leahy. <strong>Porn</strong> University: What College Students Are Really<br />
Say<strong>in</strong>g About Sex on Campus. 2009, Northfield Pub., Chicago.<br />
15. Jill Mann<strong>in</strong>g. Testimony: U.S Senate Committee on <strong>the</strong> Judiciary,<br />
Nov. 10 2005. “Why <strong>the</strong> Government Should Care about<br />
<strong>Porn</strong>ography.” http://judiciary.senate.gov/hear<strong>in</strong>gs/testimony.cfm?<br />
renderforpr<strong>in</strong>t=1&id=1674&wit_id=4826 (accessed Sept. 19, 2010)<br />
16. Eric Retzlaff. National Coalition Sex Statistics. Family Guardian<br />
Fellowship, June 13, 1999. http://www.famguardian.org/Subjects/<br />
SexualImmorality/Articles/SexStatistics.htm (accessed Sept. 19,<br />
2010).<br />
17. Gloria McDonough-Taub. “<strong>Porn</strong> at Work: Recogniz<strong>in</strong>g a Sex<br />
Addict.” cnbc.com, July 16, 2009. http://www.cnbc.com/<br />
id/31922685 (accessed Sept. 19, 2010).<br />
18. Jim McElhatton. “Exclusive: <strong>Porn</strong> Surf<strong>in</strong>g Rampant at U.S. Science<br />
Foundation.” Wash<strong>in</strong>gton Times, Sept. 29, 2009. http://www.<br />
wash<strong>in</strong>gtontimes.com/news/2009/sep/29/workers-porn-surf<strong>in</strong>grampant-at-federal-agency/<br />
(accessed Sept. 19, 2010).<br />
<strong>Porn</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pews</strong> • © 2010 CovenantEyes<br />
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19. Summary of <strong>Porn</strong>ography-Related Investigations Conducted by<br />
<strong>the</strong> Securities and Exchange Commission Office of Inspector<br />
General. http://www.wash<strong>in</strong>gtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/<br />
documents/SEC<strong>Porn</strong>Summary.pdf (accessed Sept. 19, 2010).<br />
20. Shelly Lubben. “Ex-<strong>Porn</strong> Star Tells <strong>the</strong> Truth About <strong>the</strong> <strong>Porn</strong><br />
Industry.” Weblog Break<strong>in</strong>g Free, Oct. 28, 2008. http://www.<br />
covenanteyes.com/blog/2008/10/28/ex-porn-star-tells-<strong>the</strong>-truthabout-<strong>the</strong>-porn-<strong>in</strong>dustry/<br />
(accessed Sept. 19, 2010).<br />
21. Mary Anne Layden. “The Science Beh<strong>in</strong>d <strong>Porn</strong>ography Addiction,”<br />
18 Nov. 2004. Reported <strong>in</strong> U.S Senate Hear<strong>in</strong>gs: U. S. Senate<br />
Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation.<br />
22. Archibald D. Hart. “The Hart Report,” The Sexual Man, Word<br />
Publish<strong>in</strong>g, Dallas.<br />
23. Christianity Today. “Christians & Sex.” Qtd. <strong>in</strong> “A Few Scary<br />
Thoughts…” SafetyNet Content Filter<strong>in</strong>g, McG Technologies. Dec.<br />
2009.<br />
24. ChristiaNet, Inc. “ChristiaNet Poll F<strong>in</strong>ds that Evangelicals are<br />
Addicted to <strong>Porn</strong>.” Marketwire, Aug. 7, 2006. http://www.<br />
marketwire.com/press-release/Christianet-Inc-703951.html<br />
(accessed Sept. 19, 2010).<br />
25. “Wounded Clergy.” Hope & Freedom Counsel<strong>in</strong>g Services, Media<br />
A-Team, Inc., March 2002. http://www.hopeandfreedom.com/<br />
hidden-pages/private/wounded-clergy.html (accessed Sept. 19,<br />
2010).<br />
26. “Dirty Girls.” Conversational Theology. June 19, 2009. http://<br />
conversational<strong>the</strong>ology.wordpress.com/2009/06/19/dirty-girls/<br />
(accessed Sept. 19, 2010).<br />
<strong>Porn</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pews</strong> • © 2010 CovenantEyes<br />
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Appendix B: Resources<br />
Books<br />
Men Struggl<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>Porn</strong><br />
»»<br />
Clos<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> W<strong>in</strong>dow, Tim Chester<br />
»»<br />
The Game Plan, Joe Dallas<br />
»»<br />
<strong>Porn</strong> Aga<strong>in</strong> Christian, Mark Driscoll (free e-book)<br />
»»<br />
The Purity Pr<strong>in</strong>ciple: God’s Safeguards for Dangerous<br />
Trails, Randy Alcorn<br />
»»<br />
Samson and <strong>the</strong> Pirate Monks, Nate Lark<strong>in</strong><br />
»»<br />
Sex Isn’t <strong>the</strong> Problem (Lust Is), Joshua Harris<br />
»»<br />
Sexual Detox: The E-Book, Tim Challies (free e-book)<br />
»»<br />
When Good Men Are Tempted, Bill Perk<strong>in</strong>s<br />
»»<br />
Wired for Intimacy: How <strong>Porn</strong>ography Hijacks <strong>the</strong><br />
Male Bra<strong>in</strong>, William Stru<strong>the</strong>rs<br />
Women Struggl<strong>in</strong>g with <strong>Porn</strong><br />
»»<br />
L.I.F.E. Guide for Women, Marnie Ferree,<br />
»»<br />
Real Sex: <strong>the</strong> Naked Truth About Chastity, Lauren<br />
W<strong>in</strong>ner<br />
»»<br />
Sex Isn’t <strong>the</strong> Problem (Lust Is) – A Study Guide for<br />
Women, Joshua Harris<br />
Wives<br />
»»<br />
Every Heart Restored: A Wife’s Guide to Heal<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> Wake of a Husband’s Sexual S<strong>in</strong>, Stephen<br />
Arterburn, Fred Stoeker, and Brenda Stoeker<br />
»»<br />
Hope After Betrayal: Heal<strong>in</strong>g When Sexual<br />
Addiction Invades Your Marriage, Meg Wilson<br />
»»<br />
L.I.F.E. Guide for Spouses, Melissa Haas<br />
»»<br />
Reclaim<strong>in</strong>g Stolen Intimacy: When Your Marriage is<br />
Invaded by <strong>Porn</strong>ography, Clay and Renee Crosse<br />
»»<br />
Shattered Vows: Hope and Heal<strong>in</strong>g for Women<br />
Who Have Been Sexually Betrayed, Debra Laaser<br />
»»<br />
When His Secret S<strong>in</strong> Breaks Your Heart, Kathy<br />
Gallagher<br />
Marriage and Sexuality<br />
»»<br />
I Surrender All: Rebuild<strong>in</strong>g a Marriage Broken by<br />
<strong>Porn</strong>ography, Clay and Renee Crosse<br />
»»<br />
L.I.F.E. Guide for Spouses, Richard Blankenship<br />
»»<br />
Sacred Marriage, Gary Thomas<br />
»»<br />
Sacred Sex: A Spiritual Celebration of Oneness <strong>in</strong><br />
Marriage, Tim Alan Gardner<br />
»»<br />
Sex and <strong>the</strong> Supremacy of Christ, edited by John<br />
Piper and Just<strong>in</strong> Taylor<br />
»»<br />
Truth About Sex, Kay Arthur,<br />
»»<br />
When S<strong>in</strong>ners Say, “I Do,” Dave Harvey<br />
Addiction<br />
»»<br />
At <strong>the</strong> Altar of Sexual Idolatry, Steve Gallagher,<br />
»»<br />
Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from<br />
Addiction, Edward Welch<br />
»»<br />
Faithful and True, Mark Laaser<br />
»»<br />
False Intimacy: Understand<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Struggle of<br />
Sexual Addiction, Harry Schaumburg<br />
»»<br />
Strength <strong>in</strong> Weakness, Andrew Comiskey<br />
»»<br />
Undefiled: Remption from Sexual S<strong>in</strong>, Restoration<br />
for Broken Relationships, Harry Schaumburg<br />
Build<strong>in</strong>g Small Group Life<br />
»»<br />
Fight Clubs: Gospel-Centered Discipleship, Jonathan<br />
Dodson<br />
»»<br />
Why Small Groups?, C.J. Mahaney (free e-book)<br />
<strong>Porn</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Pews</strong> • © 2010 CovenantEyes<br />
33
Parents<br />
»»<br />
Age of Opportunity: A Biblical Guide to Parent<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Teens, Paul David Trip<br />
»»<br />
Disconnected: Parent<strong>in</strong>g Teens <strong>in</strong> a MySpace<br />
World, Chap and Dee Clark<br />
»»<br />
Prepar<strong>in</strong>g Your Daughter for Every Woman’s<br />
Battle: Creative Conversations About Sexual and<br />
Emotional Integrity, Shannon Ethridge<br />
»»<br />
Prepar<strong>in</strong>g Your Son for Every Man’s Battle: Honest<br />
Conversations About Sexual Integrity, Stephen<br />
Arterburn, Fred Stoeker, and Mike Yorkey<br />
»»<br />
Virtual Integrity: Faithfully Navigat<strong>in</strong>g <strong>the</strong> Brave<br />
New Web, Dan Lohrmann<br />
<strong>Porn</strong>ography and Culture<br />
»»<br />
<strong>Porn</strong>ified: How <strong>Porn</strong>ography is Transform<strong>in</strong>g Our<br />
Lives, Our Relationships, and Our Families, Pamela<br />
Paul<br />
»»<br />
<strong>Porn</strong> Nation: Conquer<strong>in</strong>g America’s #1 Addiction,<br />
Michael Leahy<br />
DVDs<br />
»»<br />
DVD ToolKits from FreedomBeg<strong>in</strong>sHere.org:<br />
»»<br />
Personal ToolKit<br />
»»<br />
Fa<strong>the</strong>r+Son: Talk About Sex<br />
»»<br />
Counselor ToolKit<br />
»»<br />
<strong>Church</strong> ToolKit<br />
»»<br />
Accountability Pack<br />
»»<br />
Somebody’s Daughter: A Journey to Freedom<br />
From <strong>Porn</strong>ography, Music for <strong>the</strong> Soul<br />
»»<br />
Traffic Control: The People’s War on Internet <strong>Porn</strong>,<br />
CP80 Foundation<br />
»»<br />
Willful Entrapment, Fire Trigger, Inc.<br />
M<strong>in</strong>istries<br />
»»<br />
Brave Hearts – Michael Leahy, founder of Brave<br />
Hearts, is a former porn addict with a powerful<br />
story, which he’s told at more than 150 college<br />
campuses, countless churches, ABC’s 20/20,<br />
Good Morn<strong>in</strong>g America, The View, and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
television appearances. His presentations offer a<br />
stark picture of our hyper-sexualized media and<br />
culture and how it is hurt<strong>in</strong>g us. Brave Hearts also<br />
offers telegroups for parents, pastors, spouses,<br />
and addicts.<br />
»»<br />
Faithful and True M<strong>in</strong>istries – Mark Laaser is one<br />
of <strong>the</strong> lead<strong>in</strong>g experts <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> area of sex addiction.<br />
His m<strong>in</strong>istry offers a host of <strong>the</strong>rapy groups,<br />
<strong>in</strong>dividual and couples counsel<strong>in</strong>g, workshops,<br />
and tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g opportunities.<br />
»»<br />
Harvest USA – This m<strong>in</strong>istry has been around for a<br />
quarter of a century and has dealt with a variety of<br />
sexual brokenness issues <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> church. In addition<br />
to many educational resources, <strong>the</strong>ir team is also<br />
available for special sem<strong>in</strong>ars at your church.<br />
»»<br />
P<strong>in</strong>k Cross Foundation – This m<strong>in</strong>istry was<br />
started by ex-porn star Shelley Lubben. She<br />
reaches out to <strong>the</strong> women still trapped <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> sex<br />
<strong>in</strong>dustry. Because of her personal experiences <strong>in</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>in</strong>dustry, she offers a unique message about<br />
<strong>the</strong> beh<strong>in</strong>d-<strong>the</strong>-scenes world of porn. Her message<br />
will strip away <strong>the</strong> illusions created by pornography<br />
<strong>in</strong> a way you’ve never heard. NOTE: Stories,<br />
photos, and videos on TheP<strong>in</strong>kCross.org may not<br />
be suitable for all audiences. Viewer discretion is<br />
advised.<br />
»»<br />
Pure Desire M<strong>in</strong>istries – The m<strong>in</strong>istry of Pure Desire<br />
equips churches to create <strong>the</strong> k<strong>in</strong>d of communities<br />
needed to help those caught <strong>in</strong> destructive porn<br />
addiction. Their resources <strong>in</strong>clude books and DVD<br />
tra<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g sem<strong>in</strong>ars.<br />
» » Pure Intimacy – This m<strong>in</strong>istry by Focus on <strong>the</strong><br />
Family offers free articles on sexuality and marriage.<br />
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»»<br />
Stone Gate Resources – Stone Gate offers an<br />
eight-day, <strong>in</strong>tensive, live-<strong>in</strong> program that helps<br />
those trapped <strong>in</strong> sexual addiction. Stone Gate is<br />
located <strong>in</strong> a rural area just 20 miles north of Colorado<br />
Spr<strong>in</strong>gs. Dr. Harry Schaumburg’s program <strong>in</strong>cludes<br />
private biblical counsel<strong>in</strong>g, <strong>in</strong>teractive sem<strong>in</strong>ars,<br />
lectures, and guided study.<br />
»»<br />
Weekend to Remember – Each year <strong>the</strong> m<strong>in</strong>istry<br />
of Family Life puts on about 150 Weekend to<br />
Remember conferences all over <strong>the</strong> country to<br />
teach God’s design for marriage and family. The<br />
environment is generally fun and non-threaten<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
It offers couples a chance to get away, to refresh<br />
good marriages or heal troubled ones.<br />
»»<br />
White Collar Sideshow – This travel<strong>in</strong>g road<br />
show is a mixed bag of sights and sounds all<br />
geared to spread a message about how to fight<br />
pornography addiction through honesty and<br />
accountability. They look sort of like Blue Man<br />
Group meets Rob Zombie meets a 1930s illusionist<br />
act. Creative live percussion is comb<strong>in</strong>ed with<br />
powerfully artistic video images to show <strong>the</strong> cycle<br />
of porn addiction. Visit http://www.myspace.com/<br />
whitecollarsideshow for more <strong>in</strong>formation about<br />
how to book <strong>the</strong>m. Ideal for youth events.<br />
Helpful Technology<br />
»»<br />
Covenant Eyes Accountability and Filter<strong>in</strong>g<br />
Services – Encourage <strong>in</strong>dividuals, couples,<br />
and families to experience <strong>the</strong> way Internet<br />
accountability changes <strong>the</strong> way you use <strong>the</strong><br />
Internet. Monitor where you kids go onl<strong>in</strong>e. Be<br />
accountable to a trusted friend about where you<br />
go and what you see onl<strong>in</strong>e. Many churches have<br />
taken a stand aga<strong>in</strong>st porn by offer<strong>in</strong>g Covenant<br />
Eyes to any member <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir church who needs it.<br />
»»<br />
CleanHotels.com – For those who feel especially<br />
tempted all alone on <strong>the</strong> road, book a hotel that<br />
does not offer adult TV programm<strong>in</strong>g.<br />
» » ClearPlay DVD Player – This <strong>in</strong>novative DVD<br />
player actually filters normal DVDs for objectionable<br />
content <strong>in</strong> real time. You choose what you want<br />
filtered from <strong>the</strong> movie, such as sensual content,<br />
crude sexual content, nudity, explicit sexual<br />
situations, as well as filters for ranges of violence,<br />
language, and drug use.<br />
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Build Discipleship. Build Accountability.<br />
Unlike a generation ago, Internet pornography is easily accessible to nearly every person <strong>in</strong> your church:<br />
husbands, wives, fa<strong>the</strong>rs, mo<strong>the</strong>rs, teens, kids, and even church leaders.<br />
Adults and kids alike need helpful blockades <strong>in</strong> place to prevent exposure to <strong>in</strong>appropriate content. <strong>Church</strong><br />
members also need tools that help <strong>the</strong>m have honest conversations about <strong>the</strong> temptations <strong>the</strong>y face and<br />
<strong>the</strong> choices <strong>the</strong>y make onl<strong>in</strong>e. Covenant Eyes gives you both.<br />
Covenant Eyes Filter<strong>in</strong>g blocks mature content, based on age-based sensitivity sett<strong>in</strong>gs that parents<br />
can select for each member of <strong>the</strong>ir household. Moms and dads can create specific lists of websites that<br />
should be blocked or allowed for each of <strong>the</strong>ir kids and <strong>the</strong>mselves. We also empower parents to choose<br />
<strong>the</strong> times of day and <strong>the</strong> amount of time per day that each person <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir home may access <strong>the</strong> Web.<br />
Covenant Eyes Accountability monitors all websites visited and rates each one for mature content. This<br />
<strong>in</strong>formation is provided <strong>in</strong> easy-to-read reports that are sent to a trusted friend or group of friends, remov<strong>in</strong>g<br />
<strong>the</strong> secrecy of how <strong>the</strong> Internet is used. Know<strong>in</strong>g you are accountable to someone for how you use<br />
<strong>the</strong> Web helps change your surf<strong>in</strong>g habits. Put simply, you th<strong>in</strong>k before you click. The reports are custommade<br />
for good accountability conversations.<br />
By offer<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>formation about Covenant Eyes services to your church, you are help<strong>in</strong>g to equip your<br />
congregation with <strong>the</strong> practical and spiritual resources to prevent exposure to pornography and fight<br />
temptations onl<strong>in</strong>e.<br />
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