You do have a choice

Have you ever been in that place? You are using the computer, not doing much in particular. Your mind is not set on indulging in any sexual pleasure - in fact, it may even be something you haven't thought about for days or weeks. Then suddenly a frightfully strong desire comes over you. Maybe it's because of the boredom, maybe it's because of the fact that this is one of those rare occasions where you are alone. In any case, thoughts start flowing (seemingly out of nowhere) and feelings start coming - feelings that compel you to browse to sites you don't really want to visit.

Through my many struggles, I have learned that this is a crucial stage in fighting pornography in your life. What often happened to me was this: without realizing it and before I had even visited any pornographic websites, I had already given in to the temptation. My feelings told me I cannot resist, my mind told me I have been here before and I know what is going to happen. Paralyzed by this realization, my resistance crumbled and I would end up giving in to my Mr. Hyde.

But it doesn't have to be that way!

When these thoughts come, you and I need to remember two crucial things:
1. Just because you had the thought and had the feeling, doesn't mean that you have already given in to the temptation. You have not sinned just by having the thought. Compare it with receiving Spam that is aimed at spreading virusses throughout your PC and thus destroying it. Receiving the Spam does not destroy your computer - opening it does. In the same way, don't worry about receiving the thought - just don't open it!
2. You have a choice. You are not doomed to go down that same road over and over again. When the thoughts enter your mind, you have a choice. THE LIE SATAN WANTS YOU TO BELIEVE IS THAT YOU CANNOT RESIST! And our minds and bodies are so programmed to believe this lie that we oftentimes give in without even offering the enemy a decent fight!

But let's look at the facts: Jesus Christ, God Himself, died on the cross for your sins. Since sin requires the death-penalty, He took the death that should have been ours. We have been given a clean slate by Jesus - a slate that is wiped clean every time we come to Him and confess our sins. What is just as wonderful, though, is that Jesus rose from the grave and proved Himself stronger that death and the sins that He carried. By doing so, He destroyed the power of sin over our lives and gave us the ability to live in victory every day if we only give ourselves to Him.

Through Jesus Christ, you have a choice! The next time those thoughts come - and you and I know they will come - we can recognize the lie and say no. You will find that the thoughts and feelings that have plagued you are not nearly as strong as they said they were. You will find that victory is not a utopian ideal. You will find that you do have a choice.