We are in the middle of a public health crisis. You thought I was talking about Covid-19.
The reality is that pornography is the National Health Crisis on the rise during the pandemic.
According to Proven Men Ministries, the loneliness, fear, and isolation many are experiencing can be a catalyst to engage with pornography. The statistics show that over two-thirds of Christian men view pornography at least monthly, yet according to our Noble Warriors 1 Quick Question survey, over 48% of guys who answered don’t have a strategy in place for online purity accountability.
Marshall Shank, Director of Outreach for Proven Men Ministries, shared great insight in The Noble Man Conference workshop on the Battle for Sexual Integrity. Masking sin is not the answer. “See it and hate it. That’s the turn.” As followers of Christ who desire to personify and challenge each other to pursue sexual integrity, we know there is hope for every man.
1 Corinthians 10:13 states the truth we need to grasp. “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”
God is faithful.
He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability.
He will provide the way of escape.
By this we know there is hope and freedom.
Where to Begin
In 10 Steps to Win Over Pornography, Dr. Chuck Lawless recommends finding an accountability partner with victory over temptation. One resource, Every Man’s Battle, outlines a plan for victory over such temptations. It isn’t called “Every” Man’s Battle for no reason. No one is alone in this battle, but each of us needs a trusted battle buddy to win the fight. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. ”
Proven Men’s teaching reinforces that scripture.
“Engage with a ‘network partner’ for both accountability and encouragement. Victory will escape you until you do!”
We need access to someone we can trust, both to have accountability and to hold one another accountable. Lies from the enemy would lead us to believe it’s better if no one knows our struggles, but God’s word tells us that in bearing one another’s burdens we fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
Dr. Lawless writes, “Don’t ever assume you’ve fully won. The enemy who seeks to devour us (1 Peter 5:8) is smarter than that. As soon as you think you’ve won this battle once and for all, you’ve opened the door again. Walk in victory, but stay on guard.”
Helpful Resources to Stay on Guard
Proven Men Ministries
- The Proven Men Study provides a “daily roadmap for real change, and it works because it’s built around biblical truth and Christian brotherhood. You can’t win alone. But all it takes is one man to step up and rally with other proven men to transform lives.”
- The site is dedicated to helping equip, empower, and educate men in finding freedom and pursuing sexual integrity. It includes resources for men, wives, parents, and churches.
Covenant Eyes
- App – offers online aid and partnership with a trusted ally.
- Accountability-based service, proven in helping men avoid and overcome addiction.
The Purity Coach
- Founder Steve Etner is also a Noble Man workshop contributor.
- Free resources including videos, ebooks, and recommended reading.
- Connects men with local support and the partnership element that is so crucial in success.
Pure Desire Ministries
- Promotes support groups for men and women providing opportunities for both healing and recovery.
- Tons of free resources as well as links to counseling and events.
Conquer Series
- Proven strategies and practical tools to help men walk in freedom, taught through a series of action-packed episodes.
- Ideas for small groups and home study.
Noble Warriors
- Wellness & Counseling Resources webpage offers connections to above resources.
- Workshops by Marshall Shank and Steve Etner at The Noble Man Virtual Richmond Event.
Too many men back away from revealing struggle because of guilt. But as Marshall Shank points out…
Guilt and shame serve a purpose – to fuel honesty and repentance.
Access some of these resources, tell one friend, and take one step to move forward on the path to freedom and support. Find a trusted partner and open the door to an ongoing discussion about struggles, accountability, and victory in this area. It’s never too late for anyone to stop hiding and start healing.
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1
Check out these stories of freedom!
- Marshall Shank of Proven Men Ministries
- Steve Etner of The Purity Coach