At the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association we receive many letters from people who have been trapped by pornography over the internet. The internet can be used for great good—but it also can be used for great evil, and the widespread availability of pornography over the internet may be its greatest evil.
The first step is to realize that this is sin in God’s eyes. It isn’t just a bad habit, nor is it only something that appeals to your lusts or your craving for excitement. It is sin—and you must not excuse it or deny it or say that it doesn’t really matter. It is sin—and the Bible warns that “after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:15).
This is why I urge you to turn to Jesus Christ and open your heart and life to Him. He doesn’t love your sin—but He does love you, and He wants to come into your life and take away your sins and begin to change you from within. Commit your life to Him, and then ask Him to fill you and replace everything that is evil or wrong with His goodness and purity.
Then it is critical that you take practical steps to fight this habit. Get a program for your computer that will filter out unwanted sites—and use it. Move your computer into a place where others can see what you are doing. Block or remove those television channels from your subscription. In addition, share your problem with a trusted friend, spouse, or pastor who can pray with you and hold you accountable for what you watch.
Only Jesus Christ can transform your life—God’s Word says that in Him we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). If you would like to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior by faith, you can do that right now by genuinely praying a prayer like this:
“O God, I am a sinner. I’m sorry for my sin; please forgive me. I want to turn away from my sin. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died on the cross for my sin, was buried, and You raised Him to life on the third day. I want Him to come into my heart and to take control of my life. I choose to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as my Lord from this day forward. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.”
