Why Is Freedom So Elusive?

Freedom is a term that carries with it a real message of hope. Those living in the USA understand that possibly better than anyone since freedom is the very concept our entire nation was founded upon. 

In the church world we talk about “freedom” a lot, in particular the freedom that comes with knowing Jesus as one’s Savior. One might argue that “freedom” has served as the banner cry for Christendom throughout the ages. After all, freedom in Christ has inspired gazillions of sermons, almost as many books, and was something that the apostle Paul wrote about quite extensively.

Freedom is also a term we throw around often when it comes to porn addiction and recovery. This is especially true within the context of faith-based recovery where many believe that if Jesus is not involved in the process of recovery “freedom” is essentially impossible.

However, here is where it gets complicated.

If Jesus promises us freedom and if those struggling with porn and other forms of sexual addiction desire freedom, then why do so many Christian men (and women) find it seemingly impossible to escape the grasp of their addiction and compulsive habits? Especially since they (in theory) have the one essential ingredient for success? That being Jesus.

Honestly, it’s a great but uncomfortable question.

Let’s be real, the numbers aren’t favorable. If you look at the current state of the church when it comes to the issues of porn, it’s clear that there are not many people experiencing “freedom” in this area of their life.

In fact a Barna study revealed the following:

• Over 50% of Christian families admit that porn use is a problem in their home.
• 20% of youth pastors admit to currently struggling with porn.
• 53% of all pastors within the last 12 months have learned that someone they know in ministry struggles with porn.
• 59% of practicing Christian married men have sought a pastor’s help for porn use.

And those are just some of the many less than ideal statistics.

Additionally, while we do see some people who eventually find recovery, restoration, and “freedom,” the rate of success isn’t stellar. I’d say, by and large, more people end up giving up on their recovery rather than pursuing it to completion. This is something that I have seen over and over again.

Go one step further. What do we say about those who claim they found freedom at some point only to relapse years later when life hits them in the face like a 300lb boxer? 

Why is this?

• Is it a problem with current recovery models?
• Has the Bible just lied to us and our faith systems failed us?
• Is porn use not really a problem in the first place?
• Is it even possible to get free?
• Is it something else?

Or is it that we just don’t understand what “freedom” really means or what it requires?

In other words, is freedom really that elusive or are we just approaching it with the wrong mindset?

The reality is there are certain aspects of freedom we must recognize and appreciate to truly experience it. Because if we don’t, our understanding of freedom will be skewed and will lead us to false conclusions and even resignation. So this month we are going to explore some of these topics and difficult issues because we believe that if you approach the concept of freedom with the right frame of mind your chances for experiencing it will increase greatly.  

And that’s what we are after in the end. Helping people experience real freedom in their life, not just simple sobriety.

By the way, if you are looking for a safe place to start your freedom journey, look no further than Small Groups Online. Our online support groups are perfect for those seeking sexual integrity, community, and mental wellbeing. Use code FREEDOM24 at checkout to get your first month for just $1.