Mindsets That Fuel Porn Usage

by Ted Shimer | August 4, 2022

How much does faith impact porn usage mindsets?

Not much.

There is virtually no difference in porn use among non-Christian men (65%) when compared to Christian men (64%).

If you have been around church or faith communities in the past, almost certainly you may have heard the saying, “God helps those who help themselves.”

On the surface, this may look right and appear as sound thinking, however, the gospel is so much bigger and better than a stale adage. As Christians, we believe that God helps those who are unable to help themselves. We rely on His abilities and strength and not our own.

So what are we to do when we cry out to God, but it seems He is unable to help us or meet our need?

Many porn users find themselves in such a scenario. Their dabbling becomes a habit and their habit has become an addiction. When this person is a Christian, they feel the shame of not living a life that matches up with their own beliefs. They are caught in the shame cycle Saint Paul describes in Romans:

For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

At Freedom Fight, we have seen the endless cycle of porn users caught and unable to escape doing the things they hate. We have found three common mindsets Christians can have when faced with this reality:

Mindset #1: The Choo-Choo Changer:

Motto: I think I can, I think I can…

With a little sweat and a lot of effort, this white-knuckler believes they can tug on their bootstraps and get ‘er done. This is the one who is bound and determined to self-will their way to behavior modification.

We have just one question: How is that going for you?

Mindset #2: The Dabble & Denier:

Motto: Nothin’ to see here.

This person has no problem at all; in fact, you’re the problem for even thinking so. It’s not a big deal- because it’s not even real.

A question: At what point would it be a problem?

Mindset #3:The Tomorrow’s Truster:

Motto: The sun will come out… Tomorrow!

Never lacking in hope for a day that doesn’t quite seem to ever arrive. A better day is always around the corner or at least could be.

A question: Why not today?

Though we listed three, there is really never a lack of creative ways we can go about fooling others or ourselves when we have a porn addiction that we cannot overcome.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” Jeremiah 17:9

Our ability to self-deceive runs deep.

And though we attempted to put a funny spin on it, the state of porn use and addiction today is no laughing matter. Self-deception is a major reason Dr. Ted Roberts estimates that less than 10% of Christian men ever seek real help for their porn addiction.

If you see yourself in one of these common reactions or if you have asked God for help and feel as though He must have given up on you- because help never came, we want you to know that there is hope.

God can and does give miraculous deliverance at times. However, for the vast majority, this is not the case. No one “quits” porn, they outgrow it.

At Freedom Fight, we have a trusted path laid out for your journey to freedom. A path that will help you understand why the attempts in the past have not worked. We offer a holistic approach that is biblically rooted, scientifically informed and applies proven clinical practices.

There is hope.
You are not alone.

Join our 30-day challenge for daily, guided encouragement.

Published: August 4, 2022  |   Spiritual Health
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