A major blockbuster survey by the Barna Group, due to be released in April, will tell us what we already know: People are using more online porn than ever before.

There are, however, two surprises: First, both older and younger adults as well as women are using more porn. Secondly, the reason given for the use of virtual sex is that “it is safer than the real thing.”

Someone might be somewhat amused with the answer to the why question. After all, there will be no unwanted pregnancies from virtual sex, right? This will help reduce the level of STD’s, right? And less abortions? Right? Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

Sure, on the surface these may appear to be good things, but let’s be real here. No one believes that sexting, viewing porn online, exchanging “hot” messages or images with someone, etc. are meant to be an end unto themselves. Believing that would be like saying that the guy who gambles online is at less risk of losing money than the guy who goes to Las Vegas.

Sexting, for example, in an era of unfettered access to technology, coupled with the appearance of secrecy, will invariably lead to real sexual encounters with people who should have no business being intimate with each other. Internet porn then becomes the gateway drug to illicit intercourse. No one is safe. In the words of a famous Brazilian movie, “Salve-se quem puder!” (“Every man for himself!”), except now it’s every man, woman and child!

Actually, a more literal translation of that phrase would be, “Save yourself, if you can,” which is more appropriate in this case. Online porn is an addiction that very few people can beat on their own. Usually it requires admission that you need help and some kind of a system to keep yourself accountable to someone. Don’t try to save yourself here; look for help.

I am convinced that breaking the habit starts with recognizing you have a problem and seeking help. Saturating yourself with the Word of God daily is the ultimate antidote. If you don’t have a habit of daily Bible reading, you are leaving the walls of your “city” open to enemy attacks. Don’t fool yourself: The allure of illicit sex is one of the most powerful forces in the world. There is no on and off switch. We must die to self every day, sometimes every minute of our lives, and this is only possible through the supernatural work of God.

For those who heard Christopher Yuan speak at our church a few months ago, you may recall he gave us information about two free internet tools that you can use to keep yourself accountable to someone in this area. You will not be sorry to use them. And it may save your marriage, or your future marriage, or your life.

K9WebProtection.com (Free Internet Filter)

X3Watch.com (Free Accountability Program)

Pastor Ivanildo Trindade
Lead Pastor, Grace Church, Lititz, PA