We’re on number 6 in our 26 Principles to Battle Porn blog series! To read previous blogs, head here!
Again, we’ve really loved seeing your feedback in the comments section, please keep it coming!
Here are 2 more awesome action steps:
RITUALS—What Rituals Do You Go Through To Look At Porn?
“A Ritual is a process or procedure you go through to do what you do, in this case sexually acting out. It is what you do to get ready for sexually acting out. When the ritual begins the battle is lost.”
Begin with the actual viewing of pornography and work backwards. Trace your steps. Before you look at porn specifically walk through each step of getting there. The more specific you are the more chance you have to break free.
What did you think about?
Where were you?
How were you feeling?
What time was it?
What specifically did you do to reach the point of viewing porn?
A key to overcoming is to build EXITS before the Ritual begins.
“Men receive a chemical high from sexually charged images—a hormone called epinephrine is secreted into the bloodstream, which locks into the memory whatever stimulus is present at the time of the emotional excitement. Some men become emotionally and sexually stimulated just from entertaining thoughts of sexual activity. A guy dead set on purchasing Hustler at his local 7-11 is sexually stimulated long before he even steps into the convenience store. His stimulation began in his thought process, which triggered his nervous system, which secreted epinephrine into the bloodstream.”
Scriptural Basis:
I Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”
STOP the Rituals by Interrupting Them
Interrupt those rituals by taking a different action. Be aware of the steps you take prior to viewing porn. Take specific action to change those steps.
Example: If you know there are times when you are most vulnerable, find something specific you can do to schedule that time (exercising, calling a loved one or friend, developing a hobby). If you are traveling and staying in a hotel have the front desk disable the pay-per-view adult channels. Travel without your laptop and use the computer in the business center of the hotel.
Scriptural Basis:
Proverbs 7:24-25
“Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, And pay attention to the words of my mouth. Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths.”