With sin, I think we all have the belief that either we are the only ones struggling with this particular sin (or at least the only ones to the degree we deal with it), or we think that admitting our struggles to a trusted godly friend or mentor won't be a good choice because then we will be exposed. As I thought about this earlier, I remembered different articles I have read about pornography and even different people I have known who viewed pornography from a young age. A good question to ponder is: What if they had admitted their sin to someone they trusted back when it first happened? What if they had made known to someone they trusted what a temptation the sin was and how they needed help through genuine accountability? Would this have harmed them or been greatly beneficial? Would this have been a poor or wise choice?
The answer should be obvious, yet somehow we always think we will repent later, or worse, we are not planning to repent because we think we will never be caught. Both of these viewpoints are illogical because repenting later will only allow bondage to take place and then it will be even more difficult in the end to repent because we are caught up in an addiction...and thinking we will never be caught (whether this is true or not) is still a poor reason to continue engaging in that which we know is wrong. It's interesting how we see sin, isn't it? If we justify our behavior or say, "All I am doing is looking!", it is as if we do not have a problem with the sin and in reality, really enjoy it. Yet if what we view on the internet or watch on television or listen to or read isn't very bad in our opinion, why are we fearful at the thought of being found out? Why does it bring us anxiety, worry, or even the slightest embarrassment at the thought of others knowing what we fill our minds with?
God has given each of us a conscience and therefore we know when something is right or wrong. Feelings of guilt and regret are evidences of having a conscience.
Let us seek the help we need before it is too late. Even if people don't find out you have a pornography addiction or sleep around or lie or steal...we know we are guilty and we also stand guilty before God. "It is by his deeds that a lad distinguishes himself if his conduct is pure and right." Proverbs 20: 11
Someone once wisely stated, "God accepts us as we are, yet He doesn't leave us that way!"
Ask God to reveal Himself to you in a way you cannot deny and to open your eyes to see sin as God sees it.
As someone who has been in bondage to a variety of sins through out my life, I can testify now after accepting God's salvation, knowing I am forgiven through the salvation God's Son, Jesus Christ accomplished on behalf of sinners, and my daily commitment to Him where I am learning to trust God more and grow spiritually over time how truly freeing it is to not carry the weight of bondage to sin or guilt that I cannot get rid of on my own. It is FREEING to not live in fear of being found out. It is freeing to draw near to God and cling to Him, knowing that without Him, I am a sinful wretch and am therefore dependent on Him and need His help on a daily basis to walk in His ways and walk in repentance. Especially in today's world and society where sin abounds and impurity is literally a click away, we need God at all times, in all circumstances, in all situations, in every friendship, every place, when we are alone, etc.
I am by no means claiming to be perfect or saying that I do not sin or fall ("Who can say, 'I have cleansed my heart, I am pure from my sin' ?" Proverbs 20: 9). I am simply stating that living a life of integrity, a life of purity and devotion to God, and a life of being open and honest about my struggles with trusted, godly friends and mentors is freedom indeed!
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