I love the Empire Strikes Back. Actually – I love the original Star Wars movies but Empire is my favorite. There is a scene on Dagobah where Luke is training with Yoda and Luke asks, “Is the dark side stronger?”. Yoda responds, “No, no, no. Quicker, easier, more seductive”. This is how I view porn and sexual sin. Quick, easy, seductive, and an absolute trap. To keep with the Star Wars motif it will ultimately consume you. The Jedi devotes his life to self control, self denial, and celibacy. The Sith devotes his life to pursuing baser passions in a pursuit of power and self gratification. Eventually the Sith is consumed by the Dark Side.
Porn is quick, it is easy, it is seductive, and it will consume you. Take some time to read through the XXX Church Prayer Wall and you will see many who can’t stop. You can read stories of lost jobs, spouses, children, and (in some cases) lost their lives.
There is hope. There is Jesus. Jesus saved me from my sin and He can do it for you. It isn’t easy, it isn’t fun, and it isn’t fast but it is possible. A couple of quick tips (again from Star Wars):
- Get a master. Accept Jesus as your only means of breaking free.
- Avoid the Dark Side. Get an accountability software for your computer and smart phone. If you go to strip clubs or swingers parties, don’t go. Throw out all of your porn. Get some hobbies, take a class at a local college/tech center.
- Trust the Jedi Council. Get into a faith based support group. Get involved in your church, talk to your pastor.
- Trust your squad mates (ok this is a bit of a stretch). Look at the clone troopers. They are all brothers. They work in squads, they fight together, not alone. If you try to fight this battle alone you will lose. Strength is in numbers.
I know from personal experience that this is not an easy process. It took me a long time to get out of my habits and I still struggle with things but I can honestly say that I don’t need the quick and easy anymore.
Are you ready to work for it, to give up quick and easy? Where are you in the process?