A few of the gay gossip blogs are in a tizzy regarding my post concerning Covenant Eyes, a faith-based software company that filters sexual content on the web. They infer that because I use such a tool that must indicate that Jesus must be a helplessly, weak entity and that Christians experiencing temptation are all white-knuckling liars. I couldn’t disagree more.
The Lord imparts the fruit of His Spirit, including self-control, to prepare a safe space to be able to make what I think are biblical and appropriate decisions. The fact that I, as well as countless others, choose to submit to God and implement online accountability tools isn’t a point of shame or weakness. It’s a reality. I have chosen to experience the depth and beauty of real relationships over the momentary, worthless gratification of fake ones. Why? Life empowered by the Spirit to be lived in obedient free will is where true freedom is best expressed.
In addition, the porn industry ruins millions of lives including those in the image to those who view it. Exploiting men and women as a commodity instead of respecting them physically, emotionally and spiritually is not an industry I choose to invest in. It is truly a form of modern day slavery that spiritually enslaves some and quite literally enslaves others. Flirting with what many deem as harmless entertainment, but is truly fire is not in my or anyone else’s best interest and I make no apology for exercising caution by using Covenant Eyes.
2 Corinthians 12: 9 says it all: “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
My aim in life is not simply white knuckling behavioral modification … it’s to know Jesus Himself. Freedom is not found in what my struggles are, it is found in knowing and living life with Jesus Christ who empowers me to make decisions about my struggles in a way that honors Him . . . and there is no shame in that!
Julie Neils
Exodus International Blog
Ralph C
James C
Erik
Alan Chambers
JE Clark
College Jay
Randy Thomas
Thom Hunter
Hi! Thank you for posting this. What an encouragement! The scripture that comes to my mind is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. Bless you.
Thank you for sharing that scripture Will.
I bet there’s a lot of heroin addicts out there who wish there was a barrier between them and heroin.
A lot of people want to give up porn, but are not yet emotionally strong enough. It’s like someone who is relearning to walk after being in an accident. They start with a gutter frame and two members of staff holding them. Eventually, a lot relearn to walk alone, but to start with need that initial help.
And people have kids, too, and a lot of pornographers target children, deliberately making porn sites with a deliberately mis-spelt version of a children’s TV programme, so that when kids type in their favourite programme into a search engine, mis-spelling it, as kids do. It’s to get kids hooked on porn at a younger age.
Or what about pop-ups and typing completely innocent things into websites, like I did at university, and getting all sorts of bizarre kinks listed.
Go Covenant Eyes!!!
C -x-
I read some people’s comments about your previous post and was just frustrated that they could not see the simple meaning behind what you wrote about. Some people are so bent on finding an “ex-gay-agenda” behind every post and so forth. I applaud you Randy for taking the steps to be (and stay) pure, as well as imploring us all to do the same.
Shawn
I appreciate your encouragement Shawn.
Well said. I noticed all the fury over your Covenant Eyes post too and was tempted to respond to it all. I sent a question to pastor John Piper about accountability in the church being considered a “weakness.” Here was his response:
http://www.covenanteyes.com/blog/2010/02/02/is-accountability-in-the-church-an-unneccessary-crutch/