| Dear Lifeline
I am a Christian but have no self-control when it comes to sexually seductive images. I can't help but be interested in them and want more. I know I should not be doing these things but I find it very difficult to get out of being under the influence of this material. I have prayed so much but cannot seem to find the strength in times of weakness. I always just give in and look at the stuff on the Internet or whatever. I know it is disgusting, I feel disgusting, but I can't get out of the trap. I just want to be a decent Christian. I know that I am packed full of these images, full of sinful thoughts, God knows it too. How am I going to be able to get out of this situation and get right with God? It is not easy talking face to face about this subject so I have not talked to anybody else. It is too embarrassing. I just feel like I am fighting a losing battle most of the time. I just want to be with God but distractions get in the way. Please, I really need some advice... Tony
Dear Tony,
Thank you for being so honest in your writing. I can understand why you find it difficult to talk to someone face to face on this matter. It certainly seems from what you describe that this problem has taken hold of you and appears to control you. As a child of God you recognise that this is wrong but you are experiencing a deep inner struggle and turmoil. Paul writes in Romans 7v.25 that he struggled with sin. He knew what it was like to know what he should do and yet his human nature pulled against this towards evil.
You have certainly taken the first step and that is to recognise that what you have been doing is wrong and harmful. You need to take it before God and He will give you strength to be obedient. However, you have to be willing to choose by an act of your will to want to stop. If you choose, God can help, but if you don't He will not force you to obey thereby removing your freewill. By choosing to stop it is then essential to destroy any existing material or deleting the material and addresses from your computer. It is then necessary to avoid going to places where you are tempted to buy material. In regards to the Internet it may be necessary to install software to stop you having easy access to the offensive websites.
You may need support from others to maintain this decision. Is there anyone at Church or some other Christian who could support you through this? It really needs to be seen as an addiction which ahs to be conquered. Alternatively you may benefit from some form of Christian Ministry to pray into the causes of this and whatever is keeping its power over you. Ellel Ministries offer courses on Addiction and Godly Sexuality. You can order their brochure through Lifeline.
I pray that God gives you the strength to withstand the temptation to continue to look at this material. I ask the Lord to cleanse your mind, remove the pictures and images already imprinted, and equip you to withstand the pressures of temptation.
Yours in Christ,
Jon,
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