Fighting the battle of pornography, lust, or any sexual sin must never be done alone. At its root, the battle of sexual sin is a spiritual battle. This means it’s between you and Satan. Any wise man knows to NEVER face Satan alone!
So how do you fight porn addiction?
Think of it like going to war (because that’s what it is!). You bring an army and resources in the fight. Jesus is the first and most powerful resource at your disposal. Prayer and surrender to Him is paramount in the fight against the Devil. However, Jesus asks us to do more.
Community is Biblical
Scripture reveals that we are called to community. A community of like-minded people, in this case, men fighting the scourge of sexual sin, is what we all need. Take a look at scripture about community:
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. ~ Matthew 18:20
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. ~ Proverbs 27:17
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. ~ Romans 12:4-5
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. ~ Ecclesiastes 4:12
The Bible even tells us to put on the armor of God when we do battle:
The Whole Armor of God : Ephesians 6:10-18
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.
Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness.
As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.
With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
But how does the Armor of God relate to community? Take a look at the armor, the breastplate, the helmet, the sword, the shield…. These are all offensive weapons. So what protects your back? Who protects your back? Your brother in Christ has your back! Which means, you MUST have brothers in Christ to have your back – right?
This is precisely why in recovery groups like AA, SA and NA always connect you with a sponsor. These groups also meet regularly. Any battle, porn or otherwise, demands a community of like minded people to come together for healing.
I invite you to read the short story of Vietnam POW’s:
There was a group of several men who were Vietnam war POWs. When they returned from the war, they had a very difficult time adjusting to life at home and getting back to “normal.”
The soldiers were distant from their families; they withdrew emotionally from family and any regular activity. They couldn’t hold jobs, and many had severe depression. Significant amounts of counseling and help to get them to cope all failed.
It wasn’t until several of the POWs were put together in a group and began to talk about their experiences that the healing began. In this group, they each shared their stories and began to see what it was like for others who walked in their shoes, and they saw that someone else really understood what they went through and what they felt.
When this happened, remarkable healing took place.
And, accountability groups aren’t just about sharing your struggles. Sharing victories is also part of recovery. Hearing the victories of others is empowering as well.
All this sounds great, but where to find your brothers?
The number one question we at Road to Purity hear is, “where do I find an accountability partner? And a Catholic one?”
We know that the mere shame of this addiction prevents many from sharing with friends or family. What’s more, often these friends or family don’t think there is anything wrong with porn! First of all, anyone you know that says this, direct them to this page on our website. “So What’s Wrong With Porn Anyway?”
The Simon Community
We invite you to be part of The Simon Community, a Catholic-based community created by Road to Purity. The community is named after Simon of Cyrene who helped Jesus carry His cross. Think about that, Jesus needed help carrying His cross, what makes you think you can carry yours alone! The Simon Community is a place where your brothers in Christ help you carry your cross!
The Simon Community offers the ability to safely connect with other men in the same battle that you are. There are weekly Zoom meetings – typically based on the Restoring God’s Foundation program materials, regular rosaries (participate with others via Zoom), chat with others online, offer and ask for prayers and ask questions and share your story and battles.
It’s FREE to join the Simon Community
Oh, and one more thing, The community is FREE! For now, God has blessed us with grants, donors, and generous people like you to help keep our programs free.
If you are helped by the resources we offer, are moved to help others who need these programs, We invite you to financially join our team of supporters. If it’s not within your means to do so, that’s fine. Those who need us, come first. And God has always provided. But most of all, please pray for the Road to Purity apostolate and all we serve.
Need help? Want to talk? Inspired to support this apostolate?
Speak with Dann directly – Click here to view my calendar and make an appointment.
None of the times meet your needs? Please reply to this email and let me know that. I will reply and we can work out a time that better fits your schedule.
Need help with pornography? If you or someone you know is battling the scourge of sexual sin, pornography or other, I invite you to try for free, our unique recovery program – Restoring God’s Foundation.
Donate and support the Road to Purity apostolate
If you would like to support the Road to Purity ministry or sponsor the cost of the program for someone, please donate today
Need support and connect with other men?
Join The Simon Community, a Catholic community offered by Road to Purity. The Simon Community is a community of men who are also fighting the battle of sexual impurity. It offers weekly Zoom small groups, support, find men to connect with, resources to help with the battle and more. Join for free!