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Stare at Jesus, Not Porn: 9 Ways to Fight Lust

My earlier post “7 Negative Effects of Porn” concentrated on the harmful psychological and sociological effects of pornography, and this post will focus on a biblical and grace-centered way to resist the temptation to view porn. Primarily, this post is aimed at men, but I hope that there is some help here for the growing number of women who are addicted to porn, and I hope that more Christian women will write on this hidden issue.

1. Fight lustful images with the knowledge of God’s written Word.

Images are unbelievably powerful, but God has made the universe through his word, and the explosive power of his word trumps the alluring power of an image. God didn’t give us a picture-Bible but revealed himself through words and sentences to be read and heard.

The longest chapter in the Bible shows that the way a young man keeps his way pure is through knowing God’s word (Ps. 119:9, 11). Therefore, the firecracker of pornographic images is no match for the napalm of God’s spoken and written word.

2. Realize that viewing porn unleashes insatiable craving but kills genuine satisfaction.

Leering at naked women online incites yearnings for more and more naked women, yet never gives ultimate satisfaction. On the other hand, the body of one’s wife is a garden of pleasures that leads to holy satisfaction.

The book of Proverbs gives the wisdom of a father to son: “Let [your wife’s] breasts satisfy you at all times ” (5:18-19). The body and breasts of your wife contain an intoxicating influence that no other body and breasts can bring.

If you don’t think they are satisfying or intoxicating, the problem isn’t her but the fact that you settle for inferior and ultimately unsatisfying cravings. Why settle for cheap wine when your wife is a fine vintage?