Why Porn is Bad for You

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality…” 1 Thessalonians 4:3

On the subject of sexual immorality, a question one may ask is whether or not pornography is sinful. The answer is clear with even a casual glance at Scripture. A Christian, first and foremost, should lead a life of holiness. To be holy means to be set apart for God. Throughout God’s Word, we are told what it means to be holy. The Bible says in Galatians 5:19, “Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality…” Further, 1 Thessalonians 4:3 says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality…”

Clearly, God desires us to free ourselves from images, videos, and experiences that are sexually immoral, sensual, or impure. These things are sins. Porn is designed to elicit sexual arousal in our flesh, which is lust, and sin. Lust, as a result of viewing people engaging in sexual acts, which are often grossly distorted or perverted, is sin. Because all pornography is immoral in this manner, all pornography is sin. (For further reference see Hebrews 2:15, Habakkuk 2:16, Matthew 5:28, James 1:14-15, 2 Corinthians 12:21, and 1 Corinthians 6:13.)

A common thread of justifying pornography is the argument that it doesn’t harm anyone. The reality is that it harms at least one person—you, not to mention those participating in its production. As you view pornography, your own sexual thoughts go far beyond what you may experience in a loving marital relationship. You view scenes that are improbable, impossible, and immoral. The actors on the screen perform in a manner that would never occur with your spouse in a natural and exclusive sexual relationship. In many cases, to heighten the sense of arousal, you will be exposed to verbally and physically abusive acts.

None of this is what sex was intended to be in a monogamous relationship between husband and wife, which is the only form of sex that God endorses. The images of porn fixed in your mind skew what you believe your role as a sexual partner with your spouse should be, and what your spouse’s actions and response to you physically and emotionally should be. Pornographic sex is not real, yet it can become the only real sex your mind recalls as you become transfixed on it.

If you have read this information and see that you need to remove pornography from your life, consider an accountability organization to help you remain pure. Even casual pornography consumption is an addiction, and any addiction needs a safe and helpful treatment track. Because pornography is an addiction of the mind, carried out on your electronic devices, I recommend a simple and threefold approach to combating it. One, have your devices monitored, including software to block pornographic material entirely. Two, report to a trusted friend. And three, have conversations about pornography within a safe and private forum. One non-profit organization that does just this is Covenant Eyes. It costs between $12 and $16 a month for their monitoring service, which includes access to all of their educational resources.

God, help me to realize that pornography is sin—viewing it, thinking about it, and lusting through it. I know You desire for my relationships to be pure and that You want sex to be enjoyed as You created it. Give me the strength to seek help for my desire to view porn, and to make myself accountable to someone I trust that will lead my thoughts back toward You. Forgive me of my sin, and create in me a heart that desires to be pure in my thoughts and sex life so that I can honor You. In Jesus’ name, amen.