1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (NIV)
18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.
19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;
20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.
I was surprised when my 8 year old son told us that a classmate of his had shared with him a porno website that he could go to. An 8 year old, Grade two student, with knowledge of where to go in the internet to watch pornography! Well, I am partly surprised. I was hooked to pornography when I was in high school, all the way up to college, until I was born again and the Lord slowly took it away from me. So because of that I am not surprised about pornography. But I am surprised as to how young boys, as young as 8 years old, already have knowledge about this.
This shows us the extent, the reach, of modern day technology has on everyone today. There was a time when parents hid their magazines and betamax/vhs tapes from their kids, and we would only get sources of porno from classmates. Now all young kids have to do is go to their computer, type a website, and up it goes to the screen. And if no one is home they are free to watch all they want.
I speak to parents first - be sure you are the first to flee from sexual immorality! Pornography is not sex - it is perverted sex. I am blessed to have a teenage son who asks me questions about sex, so I can share with him how and why the Lord created sex. Almost everything we see in pornography is perverted sex, plays around with lust, and destroys the mind!
Second, understand that your children cannot flee on their own. Flee for them. Flee with them. Don't wait for your children to become teenagers and then restrict their use of computers. As early as grade school years show them that YOU are in control, not them. Restrict their time in the computer, control their visits to computer gaming places (which are also rampant with porno watchers). And, most importantly teach them about the Lord, show them true love and true righteousness. Guard who their friends are. There are so many parents, Christian parents even, who have a "bahala na" attitude, hoping that God would eventually reach out to them. He will, but He will use you as an instrument. Begin now!
If you're a parent of a teenager control their use of computers. I have heard stories of teenage boys who have fathers who share porno sites with them. Of course if they are not Christian, not born again, we cannot expect them to live right. Pray for them. But if you're a Christian parent, then you need to start showing some authority and love and restrict the use of computers.
Above all these, pray for them. Pray that God would, by His grace, open their hearts to the gospel. And share the gospel with them!
For young people - I urge you to know your God, know the beauty of the life He offers you. If you have not been caught in this sin, pray for the strength to resist and flee. If you are caught I encourage you, as one who was caught in the sin of porno before, there is nothing impossible with God! If you surrender your life to Him, walk with Him everyday, fill your hearts and minds with His word, choose your friends, and discipline yourself to use the computer wisely - then God will graciously bring victory to your life!
