Pornography [How Can We Protect Our Minds From Temptation?] - Pastor Ted Wilson

This Sabbath, August 28, we are celebrating the worldwide End It Now Emphasis Day. Its focus for this year is on youth violence and pornography, two of the most controversial yet vital issues to address.

Pornography infects the world. Unfortunately, it also exists in our church. With this, Satan is doubling time to trick people, especially the youth, into this vice. Hence, we must find ways to help them deal with its harmful effects. With God’s help, we will make a difference in their lives and help them begin the healing process.

We cannot ignore its problem now that it's becoming rampant. It affects men and women of all ages. It doesn’t stop at the doors of our home and the church. Thus, we can’t be silent about it. Shame only makes the problem worse.

Then General Conference President Neal Wilson released an official public statement on pornography last July 5, 1990. It stated, “Seventh-day Adventists of whatever culture deem pornography to be destructive, demeaning, desensitizing, and exploitative.”

How and why destructive? Genesis 2:24 mentions that it destroys marital relationships. It subverts God’s design that husband and wife become “one flesh.”

How and why demeaning? Pornography defines a woman not as a whole but as a sex object. It deprives her of her worth and respect as God’s daughter.

How and why is it desensitizing? It callouses the conscience and perverts human perception. According to Romans 1:22, 28, it produces a “depraved person.”

Finally, how and why is it exploitative? It is abusive. Thus, it violates the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12, which insists on treating others as one wishes to be treated. 

Among the types, child pornography is the most offensive. For this, Jesus said in Matthew 18:6, “If anyone leads astray even one child who believes in Me, he would be better off thrown into the depths of the sea with a millstone hung around his neck!”

According to studies, pornography has negative effects on the brain. First, it triggers the release of dopamine when a person views erotic images. It alters the brain’s reward system. Second, it reduces gray matter volume in the brain. Hence, a victim tends to have problems at work and in daily living.

Moreover, addiction happens within eight weeks. It begins with curiosity. But as dopamine takes effect, the victim becomes absorbed. Then, guilt and shame arise, giving him a sense of worthlessness.

These are just a few of the many devastating effects of pornography. As a church, we need to be aware of this situation. We must provide hope and healing as much as we can.

But only Christ can bring true healing. He said in Romans 12:2, “Be transformed by the renewing of your minds.” Also, Paul reminded us in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

As such, when temptation comes, stop and think. Recognize it as it is. Then, take it to God. Ask Him to give you the strength to resist and run away from the temptation.

Likewise, when you’re struggling with addiction, there is no shame in seeking help. Healing begins with recognizing the problem, calling sin by its name, and finding restoration in God’s grace.

With this, may Jesus’ righteousness give us hope and healing from sin.