Dealing With The Porn Trap


The problem with pornography is pandemic and growing.  As the internet because more accessible the problem continues to grow.  Sadly, there is probably not a segment of society that it has not touched.  Both men and women, young and old, must comprehend the deadly traps of pornography that have been set around us.  Pornography is indeed a trap whose addictive powers are difficult to overcome.

As I young boy, I read the Jungle Doctor Series.  These fascinating books were written by medical missionary Dr. Paul White.   In one book entitled “Jungle Doctor’s Fables” he wrote of the entangling nature of sin.  In this account he wrote of a common method of trapping a monkey.  Understand that monkeys can be a nuisance and are known for stealing food whenever possible.  The trap was a five gallon tin container used to buy cooking oil.  Once the oil was dispensed the Africans would use these containers for many differing purposes.  All it took to turn it into a monkey trap was to fill it with rocks and then put some un-shelled peanuts in on top of the rocks.  Due to the size of the hole, the monkey could get his hand in, but once he grabbed a handful of peanuts could not remove it.  Unfortunately for the monkey, he would refuse to let go of his new possession and was therefore trapped and vulnerable to the African who could then come and take its life.
  • Pornography is like the monkey trap, and though the end may not be as deadly, it causes great damage to the one trapped as well as those around them.  Let’s look at some parallels between pornography and monkey traps.
  • Food is necessary and good for the monkey.  They need it to live.  The problem came the  monkey tried to take what was not his own.  In the same way, God created us as sexual beings.  Sex is good, and beautiful when done in the context that God graciously gave us.  Pornography at its core, is taking what is not your own.  The images in pornography are real people.  Some willingly participate, others are forced.
  • Peanuts are not a natural food for monkey in Africa.  Not only was the monkey stealing what was not his own, he was substituting the peanut for other food that naturally grows in his habitat.  In choosing to steal the peanuts he was substituting them for what was naturally his diet.  In the same way, God gave us our spouses to enjoy both emotionally and physically.   Pornography is not the diet that God prescribed for us, it is artificial junk food that leaves us craving for more.
  • Stealing the peanuts seemed easier and quicker to the monkey.  Think about it for minute, why climb to the end of a branch on very tall tree, when there is something sitting right there on the ground?  Foraging for food is a whole lot harder and takes way more time, then stealing some peanuts from a can!  In the same way, pornography and masturbation seems way easier and quicker than pursuing intimacy with your spouse!   
  • Stealing was deadly for the monkey!  In the end, the monkey in the fable had a tragic death by wooden club as he clung to the peanuts!  For the monkey lovers among you that may seem graphic, however it is a vivid picture of what happens when pornography takes hold of our lives.  No, you will probably not die physically from pornography, but it does slowly kill you emotionally and spiritually.  In fact, there will be times you wish someone would club over the head to be free from its entanglement.  Unlike, the monkey who was the only one harmed in the monkey trap, pornography kills marriages and ministry effectiveness.  You may live, but it kills those around you . . . even when you think you have them all fooled!

How then do we avoid the monkey. . .  I mean pornography trap?   First, I would encourage you to review last week’s topic on Sexual Purity.  In addition know this:
  • Pornography is sin.  I have heard every type of justification imaginable, but bottom line, it is sin both against God and your neighbor.  Why do I emphasize this?  Not to be moralistic or legalistic, but to be realistic.  We simply need to see it for what it is!
  • Anyone can be tempted to look at pornography.  Never believe that you are above it!  Be on your guard; diligently watch your thoughts and your eye’s gaze.  I once had a man tell me that it scares him to think what he would be capable of doing if he was in a place where no one, including God, knew what he was doing.  Our tendency to move toward our depravity to should scare all of us! Pray that God will not lead you into that temptation, and when you are tempted you will see and use the escape that He promises.
  • Don’t live in isolation.  God created us for community and in a healthy community non sexual relational needs are met in a way that God intended.  Isolation can lead us to believe that no one cares, or that no one will find out.  Often pornography is simply a way to find relationship or intimacy.  When have been hurt by someone, or you believe no one cares, it is an idol that takes you away and distracts from the isolation and provides a counterfeit. 
  • It’s a rush!  God created us as sexual beings and therefore seeing it can be exhilarating.  But that doesn’t make it right!  Sadly, there is also a rush because it is forbidden. 
  • It is addictive! Unlike alcohol, anyone is susceptible to pornography addiction.  And just like other addictions you will not be able to free yourself without the help of others.  Another promise to yourself and God, will not fix it.

As I close, it is important to remember the difference between fear and diligence.  My intent in sharing this is not to scare you, our cause you to live in fear, but to be diligent in your fight against pornography.  As children of God, we are told that we have no reason to fear, as He will protect and fight for us.  I am a convinced that God gives us grace to run this race and not get entangled in the trap of pornography.  And if we do, He also promises the grace to get up shake off what entangles us and once again join the race.   The battle is real, but He has not left us alone as we have His Holy Spirit living in us, His Word, and the blessing of living in community with others who are also running this race.  Live in the truth of who you are, and what He has given you!

A helpful Gospel centered ministry that has been helpful to many is Harvest USA.  It was started by a friend of mine and I encourage you to visit their website: http://www.harvestusa.org/

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