If you google how to get out of pornography, you have some theology, and some motivational speaking, and some prayer aspects and a lot of faith. But what I didn't see online was practical steps to get free from addiction. I just watched the most popular video on youtube about getting free from porn, and I was going to post it here, and God said no. That is because it had the theology, but it was addressing a symptom not the root of the problem. And I know what He is saying, that every girl is created in God's image, and is some one's little daughter. But what about when they flirt with you, ask you for your number, or worse? That is where that little innocent gesture breaks down in every mans heart. They have to be able to run like Joseph did in the case of potiphers wife. This is how God helped me, at first it was pornography, then later it was addiction to self gratification, and then it was lust in general. Pornography is a lust problem. The root issue is lust. You can put band aids on it all you want, but the root issue of porn is a lust issue. So eventually the lust issue must be settled. Even after I was freed from porn and self gratification, and had all the software installed, and protections on my phone, there were still temptations. You can't completely isolate yourself. So what I found myself doing was looking extensively and smiling and sort of being over friendly. I wasn't looking for a relationship or anything but I was looking for something to lust after. Realize I am married at this point. I justified it that I was just being nice to people. No, no, no I was creating artificial relationships with literally dozens of women. I was unifying myself with them emotionally, flirting and staring and you name it. I was not getting numbers or committing adultery, but that would have happened if I went down that road for awhile. That would have been the next step. Then I realized when I truly found the reason why God allowed me to be free from porn and self gratification was that He wanted me free from lust. I am by no means perfect, but in my repentance I literally found myself crying inside, at each breakup with each person. I broke up with people at work, at church, you name it. At the mini mart. I in essence was telling all those women, I am married, and I am not looking any more. Since that time, God revitalized my marriage. We started communicating more, I started seeing a love for my wife, not just emotional but a physical love that had not been there in years. God knows what he is doing people. This issue is not about porn, not about masturbating to video's. It's not about you at all, it's about a person you made a vow too. Funny thing is my wife didn't struggle with lust after other people at all. She said she has only ever wanted me. And that made it worse. I saw Jesus there. And I knew I was not being Jesus to her. So since the beginning about five years ago, I have been completely free from porn. I have been free this year from self gratification (I messed up twice, but according to God's grace I have been free the whole time). And most importantly I broke up with all those people I was having affairs with, that I didn't even realize I was having an affair with. See lust was the issue, it was not porn. Porn was my outlet for a deeper issue. Self gratification was my outlet for a deeper issue. I hope that makes sense, God bless.
