Pornography Isn't True
By: Vivian Bricker
"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28).
Without a doubt, pornography usage and addiction are growing at alarming rates. Sadly, the church is not immune to these issues as many Christians struggle with watching pornography and many are addicted to it. When I was in college, this was a common topic as one peer in the school led a group to help people recover from pornography addiction. While I have never had this problem nor been interested in watching it, I saw over fifty people go to this meeting each week as I was heading for my final class of the day.
As Christians, we need to be aware of the dangers of pornography and how it can give us an inadequate view of love, sex, and intimacy. Pornography is full of lies. There is nothing true about it. Since it is not true and it is a sin to watch such things, we don't need to engage in it. No good will come from engaging in pornography.
Whether you are married or not, don't watch it. For one, as we already mentioned, it is a sin. Secondly, it is fueled by human trafficking as most people who are in these productions are individuals who have been sold into human trafficking. As Christians, how can we support something that is sinful, not true, and exploits people?
Therefore, we need to be careful and watch our steps. If you or your spouse is someone who struggles with watching pornography or pornography addiction, reach out for help. There are many counselors who can help you or your spouse overcome this issue. Never believe that it cannot be treated; it can be.
Many people view watching pornography as cheating, which is another reason why it does not need to be endorsed. Sadly, numerous marriages have ended because either the husband or the wife is watching pornography. Even if you might think watching pornography is not cheating or nothing major, you might want to think again.
Pornography is lying to you in every shape and form. The sooner someone knows this, the better. True love and intimacy is supposed to be between a husband and his wife. It should not be put on display for the world to see nor should anyone want to see it. The people in pornography films are actors or have been trafficked. None of it is real and none of it should be consumed.
The Lord tells us, "But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). As Jesus directly points out here, anyone who looks at someone lustfully has already committed adultery with this person in their heart. Therefore, each time a person watches pornography, they are lusting after the person, committing adultery, and sinning against the Lord.
As Christians, we don't need to play this game. Even though some people might believe that watching pornography is not the same as engaging in sexual activity with another person, it actually is the same thing. Pornography isn't a harmless activity. It will influence your behavior and give you a distorted view of love, sex, and intimacy. It would be best for all people to choose to stay away from watching pornography or engaging with it.
Following Jesus' instructions in Matthew 5:28, we can walk away from anything that pollutes us. Taking Jesus' words seriously will help us move forward and leave an interest with pornography in the past. This will help us to have a stronger marriage with our spouse and to be found trustworthy in their eyes. Reach out to the Lord, turn to Him for forgiveness, and find support in Him.
"Dear Jesus, I know that pornography is not true. It will only cause problems for my marriage and my life. Please help my spouse and I to never watch or engage with pornography. I want to only do the things that bring You glory and praise. May I never look at someone lustfully or engage in adultery with them. Please forgive me for the times I have struggled and fallen short. In Your Name, I pray, Amen."
Related Resource: Engaging with God in a Technology-Saturated World
Many of us feel hurried, and hurry is costing us more than we realize. The Unhurried Living Podcast with Alan and Gem Fadling provides resources and training to help Christian leaders learn to live and lead from fullness rather than on empty. After realizing the toll technology had taken on his connection with God, his community, and even himself, Carlos Whitaker took radical steps to disconnect in order to reconnect. He spent nearly two months living screen-free at a monastery, an Amish farm, and his own home, experiencing profound transformation along the way. If this episode helps you recenter your work and life on God, be sure to subscribe to Unhurried Living on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
Originally published Tuesday, 04 March 2025.
SHARE
