The UNIVITED Home Invader

Philippians 4:8-9

In recent years some highly respected pastors have been found out to be addicted to online pornography. In most instances it was the last thing they intended or expected. It happened gradually, with devastating consequences for their families, churches, and careers. For every pastor who has been publicly exposed, there are thousands of other people who have fallen prey to pornography. Computers and the Internet, which have enriched our lives in many ways, have also brought in an uninvited home invader. Online porn has caught many people unawares of the consequences of a first look, not realizing that pornography’s lure can be as addictive as drugs or alcohol. The apostle Paul urges us to think only about things that are right and pure. In Matthew 5:29 the Lord Jesus says that if our eye causes us to sin, we’d be better off to gouge it out. If you have started watching, stop today. If you are addicted, go for help. If someone in your family has become addicted, step in now. And make sure you know what your children are watching. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 Paul says that whenever we are tempted, God provides a way out. One way to avoid this temptation is to use a filter. Every home and every church with Internet access should have a filter that keeps the uninvited invader out.

Questions for further thought:
1. In what ways have I been tempted to look at internet pornography? 
2. What safeguards have I put in place to combat this temptation?

Challenge: Let’s get the cards on the table… Sin can only flourish when it is left in the darkness. We have to get it into the light and talk about these taboo subjects in the Church. The Church must be a place of healing and repentance. Let us not stand in the way of that by pretending it doesn’t exist.