Today, our social media is filled with diverse misleading content that incites people to indulge in sin. A typical case is the influx of pornographic websites. In fact, it is easier to access sexual content today because of mobile devices. Millions of pornographic content pieces are cast and uploaded daily. Besides pornographic websites, social media platforms have become a marketplace for streaming sexual content and marketing products that encourage young people to adapt immoral lifestyles.
Despite its ever presence, it is possible to break the hidden chains of lust.
Identify and recognize the gravity of sin: The first step to breaking this chain is to identify your weakness and feel an urge to stop it. Being a born-again Christian or a religious person does not mean everything is OK. Have you signed up for any adult content? Are you secretly taking drugs? Are you cheating on your fiancé or fiancée? Are you involved in any secret scandal at work? We can go on and on. Missing this first step is the beginning of a life-long bondage. “Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the lord” (Lamentations 3:10, NKJV).
Recognize that God still loves you: God’s love cannot be compared to anything in this world. It is unfathomably endless. “The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: ‘Yes, I have loved you’ with an everlasting love; Therefore, with loving kindness I have drawn you” (Jeremiah 31:3 NJKV). God is always reaching out to us because He wants us to enjoy His presence. God’s love is forgiving. Despite our sins, He continuously gives us another chance to come back. Make use of the chance you have today to make it up to Him. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9, NKJV).
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Commit to reading and praying with Scripture: You cannot deal with lust if you don’t equip yourself with God’s Word. It is the surest weapon against any form of temptation. Devote at least 10-30 minutes every day to read God’s Word. His Word gives us power and comfort in times of depression, confusion, and anxiety. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, NJKV).
Engage in healthy social activities: If you have sunken deep into any form of addiction, talk to a counselor, pastor, friend, or join a support group that can help you gradually rise above it. You can also pick up a new hobby or sport to take your mind off habits that lead you to sin. Make new friends who will encourage you to get closer to God. Share God’s Word with other people on social media. “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14, NKJV).
Review your progress every day: “One step at a time” is the way to go. Set targets for yourself and review them periodically. If you couldn’t keep to your schedule in the previous month, try and do better in the next month. Remember that you cannot do anything without the grace of God. “And He said to me,’ My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me 2 (Corinthians 12:9, 10 NKJV).
