Today, I thought I would start a “Costs of Pornography” series. I strongly believe that there are not only natural consequences to our sin but also that these consequences carry costs, sometimes steep costs that many of us do not consider. Jesus tells us to count the cost of discipleship in Luke 14:25-35. So instead of just counting the cost of discipleship, which includes family, finances, and faithfulness, let us consider the costs of pornography.
While with Jesus there is cost associated with being a Christian, to become a Christian it is completely free (Rom 6:23) and open to whomever chooses Him (Jn 1:12). Please do not get me wrong here, the gospel is gracious, abundant, and free! Jesus said, “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” (Jn 8:32) and “if therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed” (8:36). And when someone becomes a Christian they are set free from their bondage to sin (Rom 6:5-7, 18; 8:2). The New Testament is clear that with Jesus there is liberty (2 Cor 3:17; Gal 5:1). Yet while all things are lawful for me, not all things are profitable nor shall I allow them to master me, as sin does (1 Cor 6:12). It is completely faulty and wrong to believe that Jesus has set you free, period. Free to do whatever I want, whenever I want. No. He has indeed set us free. However, he has set you free from sin to freedom in Christ. The freedom to choose that which is right, good, and beneficial. Previously, we were dead in our sins and trespasses (Eph 2:1). But now, in Christ, we are alive and able to choose good and righteousness. We are now capable to choose to be bondservants to Christ (Rom 6:18), not to feed our own selfish appetites. Yet, this is a process of putting to death the deeds of the body (Rom 8:13), those things that may be previously habitual or learned that must be unlearned and stopped. We are to carry our crosses (Lk 14:27), and this is a painful experience! Sometimes too painful for my tastes. We are free but we are to watch our freedom so that we may not become slaves to sin again. Our freedom in Christ has its limitations, and just because it has its limitations, it does not cease to be freedom. Take the United States for example. We are a free country; however, there is a fine line between your freedom and mine; between where your freedom ends and mine begins. So even in the U.S., which is recognized as a free country has its limitations. Likewise Christian freedom has its limitations, and your freedom stops where the weaker brother’s freedom or even stumbling begins (1 Cor 8:9; 9:19; 1 Pe 2:16).
So now with pornography there are costs, yet there are also “rewards” with pornography (otherwise why would it be so enticing?). However, these rewards are without the deep rewards that Christianity offers and are competing and antithetical (or completely opposing) to the rewards with Jesus Christ. So we will look at these gains and rewards in light of their cost(s). So please join me as we will look at the cost of pornography over the next month. As it currently stands I have over 50 costs, which I am trying to get down to 50.
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