As Christians we know we ought to engage in the study of Scripture.
But to be honest, for much of the year our Bibles collect dust sitting on a bookshelf.
At the same time, millions of people are ensnared in the vice of viewing pornography. What follows are four reasons why the study of Scripture can be a tremendous aid in becoming delivered from porn addiction.
Any Christian stuck in the rut of lust and porn use ought to dust off the Word of God and get his nose in the Good Book. Here’s why.
1. THE BIBLE IS THE LIVING WORD
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to do,” reads Hebrews 4:12-13 (emphasis added).
The study of Scripture has medicinal properties. By doing this activity, you open yourself up to the Great Physician Who knows you best. Let God speak to you and to move you.
If you loved God as well as you should, your porn addiction wouldn’t exist. Since the vice remains, it shows you have some work to do.
2. AVOID IDLENESS LIKE THE PLAGUE
“[I]dleness teaches much evil,” says the Bible (Sirach 33:27, NRSV).
Elsewhere it says, “Behold this was the iniquity of Sodom thy sister, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance, and the idleness of her…” (Ezekiel 16:49, Dhouay Rheims).
Sodom fell and was destroyed for sins committed against the flesh (Genesis 19:1-29). Most people in this country live a comfortable lifestyle, with plenty of leisure time on their hands. Most people are not struggling to put food on their plate. As a result, our idleness often gets us into trouble.
If you want to end porn use, do not let yourself relax for too long. “The idle mind is the devil’s playground.” Which leads us to the next tip.
3. BECOME PREOCCUPIED IN WHOLESOME ACTIVITY
Okay, so what “wholesome” activity should we pursue?
“Now, study of the Scriptures is the best of all occupations,” writes St. Thomas Aquinas. St. Jerome concurs, “Love to study the Scriptures and you will not love the vices of the flesh.”
“Be always busy in doing something good, so that the devil may find you ever occupied,” St. Jerome also advised. The study of Scripture will keep you busy… and keep you out of trouble.
4. THE STUDY OF SCRIPTURE WILL PURIFY YOUR THOUGHTS
It is impossible to count the number of impure thoughts a porn addict could have in a single day. The images he has flooded his eyes with leave lasting impressions on his mind. At any time he could recall scenes from x-rated films or from pornographic pictures he has viewed.
The porn user who wishes to quit needs to counteract all that filth with healthy content. He needs to give his mind some goodness to meditate on and to recall throughout each day.
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things,” instructs St. Paul (Philippians 4:8).
The study of Scripture will aid each of us to have lots to think about that will be pleasing to God.
Let us pray that God allows each of us to become the ‘blessed man’ whom Psalm 1:2 describes: “his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.”
In turn, we will be able to better discern what thoughts are pleasing to God and which need to be dismissed. The more sensitive we become to offending God, the more we have come to love Him.
YOUR TURN
Do you have other suggestions on how the study of Scripture can aid someone struggling with porn use?
Please leave your thoughts below!
