Nobody enjoys a no-win situation.

A catch-22.

A Kobayashi Maru, if you will, for all my Trekkies out there.

I realize I’m revealing my inner nerd in using this example, but I do so proudly.  I’m a Trekkie and always will be!

For those who don’t know, in Star Trek, the “Kobayashi Maru” was a hypothetical test used in training scenarios.  It was a “no-win” situation used to see how individuals would react.

The only person to “pass” the test was the famed Captain Kirk, who did so by “cheating,” more or less – by altering the scenario because he refused to believe it was a no-win situation.

If you’ve ever been trapped in an addiction, then I don’t have to ask you whether you know what it means to feel like you’re in a no-win situation.

The sad reality is that, more often than not, we are the ones who put ourselves in these compromising situations that most likely could have been easily avoided.  This is why it’s important to set up some situational safeguards.

It’s impossible in the scope of this post to look at each and every situation.  I wouldn’t be able to write it, and you certainly wouldn’t want to read it.  But let’s look at a few key principles to keep in mind that will help us avoid situations we don’t want to be in:

  • Make the decision beforehand.  If you decide and commit to the course of action you’re going to take before temptation arises, it’s much easier to stick to it.
  • Don’t go at it alone.  We are so much more vulnerable when we are on our own.  Grab some accountability here or with close friends, and lean on the strength of others when you need it!
  • Know your weaknesses.  If you know that being at home alone is when temptation hits hardest, make plans ahead of time to avoid being there by yourself.  Figure out the times, places, and emotional states that leave you most vulnerable, and have a “way out” planned ahead of time.
  • Set up barriers to keep yourself in check.  Utilize software like X3Watch.  Keep internet-accessible devices in more public areas of the house.
  • Communicate your standards.  Let friends and others you hang out with know upfront where you stand and where you draw the line.  You may be surprised to see how many will respect your honesty.

If you feel like you’re in a no-win situation with porn, let me encourage and challenge you today with this:  there IS a way out.  You may have to create it yourself, and you will definitely have to refuse to believe that you’re beyond hope – but believe me, there is a way out!

Addiction to porn is not a Kobayashi Maru.  There is no such thing as a no-win situation in eyes of an almighty God.

What are the situations you find yourself struggling with today?