Who's tempting whom?

To illustrate the pervasive problem pornography has become, the following are some startling and sobering statistics from the Internet Filter Review in regard to internet pornography:

• U.S. pornography revenue: $13.3 billion
• Pornographic websites: 4.2 million (12% of total websites)
• Pornographic pages: 420 million
• Daily pornographic search engine requests: 68 million (25% of total search engine requests)
• Daily pornographic e-mails: 2.5 billion (8% of total e-mails)
• U.S. adults who regularly visit Internet pornography Web sites: 40 million
• Internet users who view pornography: 42.7%

With a simple click of the mouse images fly onto the screen! Of course, you tell yourself you were searching for the news, for sports – anything but that. But deep inside the truth remains – distracted for a moment – and then you’re hooked!

One lengthy look and you start storing away mental images. Click after click and soon, you’ve lost track of time and your integrity! When you return to your senses you begin to think of others and wonder, “What would they think if only they knew?” But is that the most important question to ask?

Afterwards, guilt assaults your senses. You want to change, but how to do so eludes you! Yet time after time you face this continual battle to no avail. You may ask yourself, “Why can’t I stop?” Those who are familiar with the Bible understand the reality of a powerful spirit being named Satan. They may blame the Devil for their lack of will power. They employ the old saying, “The Devil made me do it!”

But is this always the case? Is it Satan’s problem, or is it yours? James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote: “…each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed” (James 1:14). Granted, Satan is called the tempter in scripture (Matthew 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 3:5). However, until a person faces his own desires and addresses what is motivating him to act in certain ways, he will fight a losing battle!

Our desires, put plainly, are what we want. And what we want we do! So, ask yourself these questions: “What is it that I want? What do I feel I gain by doing this?” When a person can ask and answer these questions honestly, then he can begin down the road to victory. He can begin to conquer his wrong desires.

James also states, “Happy is the man who doesn’t give in and do wrong when he is tempted…” (James 1:12, Living Bible Translation). It seems many seek happiness in life, yet the path to happiness, in regard to purity and cleanness, is tied directly with not giving in and doing wrong when temptation rears its ugly head.

The most important question is, “Who’s tempting whom?” We must not tempt God by continuing in sinful ways and habits. Even though scripture is clear that God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone (James 1:13), yet it is still possible to put God to the test, and God does not play that game. We must not test the limits of God’s mercy and long-suffering.

If God is bringing you to understanding that viewing pornography is sin and if He is revealing to your mind, through the powerful messages you find on Tomorrow’s World, that there is a better way of life – a way that leads to real happiness – then continue to read and study and seek God with all your heart. Read the article, “Pornography: Pleasurable Pastime or Toxic Threat?” And above all, make sure it’s not you who is tempting God!