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Breaking free from pornography

The first step in breaking free from pornography is to make it hard to access.

If you have cable or satellite TV, consider getting rid of it or disabling the channels that get you into trouble. If your system has a parental control feature, ask your spouse to set it so that you won’t be tempted by problem channels and make sure only your spouse knows the password.

If you have a computer with Internet access, I recommend installing SafeEyes and making your spouse or a trustworthy friend the only person with an Administrator password. When you set up SafeEyes, make sure that all potentially dangerous categories are checked off for sites that will be banned. And when you from time to time, come across a site that is dangerous but not yet banned by the SafeEyes server, right-click on the SafeEyes icon, select “Web blocking” and click “block website”. You won’t be able to go there again.

  • PC & Mac – SafeEyes (see ad below)

Save 20% off Safe Eyes Parental Control Software – Use promo code: safeeyes20off

  • iPhone / iPad – Safe Eyes: Click “Products” then “On the Go” ; OR X3 Watch
  • Android – X3 Watch
  • Blackberry – there is currently no accountability / filter software available (that I am aware of) for the Blackberry OS. However, Bullguard has antivirus /security software that includes a robust parental control feature which monitors internet traffic.
  • Windows Phone 7- there is currently no accountability / filter software available (that I am aware of) for the Windows Phone 7. However, Bullguard has antivirus /security software that includes a robust parental control feature which monitors internet traffic.   NetNanny has a vague notice concerning a future possible release for Blackberry, iOS and Windows Phone 7. CovenantEyes also has support for the iOS and Android, and might release future apps for Blackberry or WP7.
  • Windows Mobile – CovenenantEyes, up until recently, did support Win Mobile 6x. Bullguard has antivirus /security software that includes a robust parental control feature which monitors internet traffic.
  • Palm / HP TouchPad WebOS – I have not been able to find any accountability / filter software for WebOS.
  • Symbian -  there is currently no accountability / filter software available (that I am aware of) for Symbian. However,Bullguard has antivirus /security software that includes a robust parental control feature which monitors internet traffic.

The second and most important step to actually break free from the grip that pornography probably by now has on your life is to understand and accept the nature of porn as sin and turn your heart instead to God in real repentance. This is not an easy step. If you are reasonably comfortable using a computer try one of these two online courses:

  1. The Way of Purity – from Setting Captives Free (no cost)
  2. X3 Pure (formerly Pure Online) – $99

If typing is really difficult for you, or if you just aren’t comfortable enough with a computer to do an online course DON’T USE THAT AS AN EXCUSE to continue in sin. You can purchase The Way of Purity: Enjoy Lasting Freedom in Christ workbook from Amazon.com by clicking the link below. When you receive your copy, go see your pastor or a mature Christian (of the same sex) whom you respect (if you are a senior or solo pastor yourself make sure this is someone NOT in your own congregation) and ask him to keep you accountable and to discuss with you what you learn during the course.

A 60 day course to freedom from pornography

A 60 day course to freedom from pornography

However, though the above courses can help you to “renew your mind” and break old addictions, to stay free from the powerful draw of old sin you must make yourself personally accountable to other Christians in a local church. Sin is like mushrooms: it grows in the dark. Bringing your struggle with pornography into the light through making yourself vulnerable to one or two trusted Christians of the same sex can help to keep you from slipping back into the chains that once held you. I urge you to talk to your pastor or another wise elder in your church and begin steps to shine the light on the dark corners of your life.

I also recommend you visit CovenantEyes’ website and download a free copy of the book, Your Brain on Porn: 5 Proven Ways Pornography Warps Your Mind and 3 Biblical Ways to Renew It.

Finally, I want to recommend three resources from Christian blogger, Tim Challies at Challies.com:

  1. The first resource is Sexual Detox: A Guide for the Single Guy (download the e-book by righ-clicking here and selecting “save target as”).
  2.  The second resource is the same e-book but targeted to especially young, married men.
  3. Lastly, Aileen Challies wrote a series of blog articles for married women struggling with the effects of pornography in their marriages and with other sexual issues. The Challies have said an e-book is coming but in the meantime, click here to read the blog posts for women (part 1), (part 2), and (part 3).

I pray these resources are blessed by God to glorify Himself through bringing healing in your life and in your marriage.