The Path to Freedom: 5 Steps to Porn-Free LivingSample

Step 2: Close the Loopholes

Think of some of the most iconic monsters in popular culture, monsters like Godzilla and King Kong. These oversized creatures stand as high as skyscrapers and tower over entire cities. The threats you shut the door to in your first step toward porn-free living are like these big monsters. They are your biggest and greatest threats. Closing the door to them is huge, but there may be other dangers you need to look out for.

Now that the “biggies” have been dealt with, you need to start considering other ways you are tempted to act out or return to porn. These are the “iffy” things or “gray areas” in your life that can lead to temptation. They may seem like nothing compared to the Godzilla of your smart phone or the King Kong of your gaming device, but as Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely said, “Nobody trips over mountains. It is the small pebbles that cause you to stumble…” With a similar insight into the often-overlooked potential dangers of “small” things, Song of Solomon warns us of “the little foxes that ruin the vineyards” (Song of Solomon 2:15).

Some common examples of the “small” things, or loopholes, that might lead to temptations are social media accounts, romantic or semi-erotic novels or comic books, old DVDs or magazines, or paid streaming platforms. Because these items aren’t overtly sexual or pornographic in nature, it can be easy to convince yourself that you can handle the temptation they might bring. However, you need to deal with your loopholes now, so that when you feel the need to escape, you can make a healthy choice. The time to repair the sails of your ship is while the boat is safe in the harbor, not in the middle of the storm. Don’t wait to deal with the loopholes in the middle of temptation. Take action now and put yourself in a stronger position to maintain victory and freedom.

Consider taking these action steps:

1) List as many loopholes as you can think of, the action needed to close that loophole, any help you might require to close it, and the deadline you’re giving yourself to close it.

2) Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any loopholes you might be missing or not wanting to deal with. Ask for His help to leave no stone unturned.

3) If any additional loopholes surface over the next few weeks, add them to your list.

Thought of the Day: I will not ignore the loopholes that may introduce temptation or lead to old behaviors. With God’s help, I am taking another step toward freedom and gaining strength along the way.