Sunday my church did a service on sexuality. It was a pretty heavy service that touched on just about every type of sexual brokenness from fornication to adultery to pornography to victims of sexual abuse. For some it was a very emotional service, for others I’m sure it was a very uncomfortable service.
Pornography is a big issue that affects everyone. According to surveys a majority of men and up to 30% of women. Even a significant percentage of pastors struggle with pornography.
Pornography addiction and the cycle – falling, feeling guilty, promising to overcome, and trying to use will power only to fall again – can be broken with prayer and accountability. But the biggest hurdle is that most people are too embarrassed to ask someone to help hold them accountable.
There is even some great software out there like X3watch that can help with accountability. It’s completely free and easy to install and use.
The challenge is that most people think that the only people using the software, the only people who need to be held accountable, are people who have a porn addiction. So, people who secretly struggle with porn don’t want to use the software and get an accountability partner because they think it’s tantamount to letting the cat out of the bag. And people who don’t struggle with porn don’t want to use the software because they think their accountability partner might think they do struggle with porn.
But, what if we overcame that hurdle by challenging everyone to install X3watch and get an accountability partner?
If you have a secret struggle with pornography, here’s your chance to get some help to break the cycle without having to “go public” with it. Maybe you rarely view porn. Maybe it’s only happened once or twice in the last year. Here’s an opportunity that could help put an end to it entirely.
If you don’t struggle with pornography, chances are you will probably face that temptation at some point, so why not protect yourself? Everyone was porn-free at one point right? Isn’t it silly to wait until you fall to temptation? Plus your participation is critical to helping others overcome their struggle.
I’m in, how about you?
Accountability is such a huge help to those who struggle with pornography. Thanks for encouraging people to find accountability!
You might like my post about what real accountability looks like:
http://www.covenanteyes.com/blog/2008/10/07/taking-accountability-to-the-next-level/
Luke, thanks for your comment. Good article.