Uncommen: Eye SpySample

The Dangers of Pornography Ever think of your eyes as the windows to your soul? It’s through these windows that we let in the world, both the good and the bad. One of the darkest intruders that we must be on guard against is pornography. It’s not just a cloud blurring our vision; it’s a spiritual dust storm, contradicting the teachings of the Holy Bible. Remember 1 Corinthians 6:18, which firmly states, “Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” It’s like our spiritual windshield wiper. Like a deceptive mirage, pornography can lead us astray and draw us into its addictive grip. We must recognize this mirage for what it is and strive to protect ourselves and our loved ones. So, how do we clear our vision? By focusing our eyes on the Word of God. Romans 12:2 instructs us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” By refocusing our eyes on God’s truth, we can resist the illusion of pornography. This focus will cultivate a healthy perspective on intimacy and relationships. You might be surprised to learn that this mirage has fooled many of us. A study by Covenant Eyes found that many Christian men (64%) and some women (15%) admitted to viewing pornography at least once a month. The illusion of pornography is not harmless either. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry showed that those who viewed more pornography over time experienced changes in their brains, similar to what occurs with addiction. And the ripple effect of pornography doesn’t stop there. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation highlights that pornography fuels the horrific industry of sex trafficking. What can we do about this? We can shield our eyes and establish healthy habits. We can avoid triggers, and seek guidance and accountability from trusted friends or mentors. Most importantly, we must remember that we aren’t facing this storm alone. With God’s help, we can overcome the illusions and harmful effects of pornography. As Philippians 4:13 assures us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Questions: Have you or someone you know been deceived by the mirage of pornography? What are some strategies you can adopt to protect your eyes and keep yourself and your loved ones from being tricked? Challenge: Take some time today to set up your safeguards. Avoid certain websites or apps that can blur your vision. Dedicate specific times for positive, healthy activities. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member for support and encouragement. Remember, it’s through your eyes that you let in the world's light. Keep them focused on God’s Truth. [IMAGE CONTENT]