Pornography a symptom of immorality

Q: My teenagers think their mother is quite old-fashioned because of my warnings about pornography. The culture has done a very bad thing by teaching young people that there is nothing wrong with obsessing about sensual images, cleverly changing the meaning of words to take the sting away. - P.P.

A: Pornography is both a symptom and a cause of the widespread immorality and corruption of modern society. It reaches people of all age levels through a multibillion-dollar industry including books, magazines, television, and movies, available at home and in hotels. In recent years, pornography has grown through the internet and is easily accessible through mobile devices so that it's available with a tap on a screen. Respect and self-esteem plunge while guilt escalates. For some users, pornography leads to deviant sexual behavior and crimes.

Pornography is basically described as visual images, writing, or speech that is used for the purpose of arousing lustful sexual desires. The term derives from two Greek words: porne ("prostitute") and graphein ("to write"). Pornographic material comes in many forms that penetrate thoughts and disturbs emotions. The saddest realization is that mankind feeds these evil desires most often through various entertainments. It will manifest itself in many ways. People may try to hide their secret life, but the Bible says, "Be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23). Do not fulfill the lust of the flesh (see Romans 13:14).

"For all that is in the world -- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes... -- is not of the Father but is of the world" (1 John 2:16). "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts" (Romans 6:12). Flee from lust and pursue righteousness (see 2 Timothy 2:22), which can be found as one submits to Christ's lordship by saturating our minds with the things of God.

(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

(C)2023 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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