This topic should have been addressed ages ago in this column from the perspective of a man.
It’s a battle out there. There is no question about that. The war we need to mount to extinguish the pornography addiction cannot be overemphasized. Addressing the issue in this column is long overdue.
“The best defense is a good offense” is an adage that has been applied to many fields of endeavor, including athletic games and military combat. Generally, the idea is that a strong offensive action instead of a passive attitude will preoccupy the opposition and ultimately hinder its ability to mount an opposing counterattack, leading to a strategic advantage.
It worked for Mormon.
Every indication I have shows that Mormon was a tremendous man, both strong and faithful. But he didn’t face the battles of war alone. He engaged many others and led the way. His son Moroni is one of the majestic heroes of the Book of Mormon and worthy of our admiration and appreciation. Everyone knows the Book of Mormon is filled with war chapters. And perhaps you have wondered why. The reasons are numerous and certainly include preparing for the fight to rise victorious above today’s addictions. In this article, I hope to share with you a few of my sentiments about winning this battle.
A brief search of the word ‘armor’ in the standard works shows there are 67 uses of this word found in the scriptures. About half of these are included as study helps. The Book of Mormon, incredibly, only has nine instances of this word. Preparing for war, however, is addressed in many chapters throughout the book. Interestingly, the opposite situation is also discussed when the Lamanites fought for their lives dressed in loincloths. What were they thinking coming to battle in a loincloth? Would you fight for your life dressed like that?
Armor has a purpose, but it can’t help if we don’t wear it. Keep reading.
Blogs are as common as books in a library nowadays. We no longer depend solely on survey systems or news anchors for our information. Our children use their phones to snap pictures, record their activities and celebrate the good in their lives. So what are the blogs, Instagrams, and messaging saying about pornography? Most of them don’t say anything directly about the subject, but therein lies the deceit.
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Instead, media today flirts with images, lifestyles, and ‘soft porn’ like a decoy determined to destroy you when most vulnerable. That is one reason setting the groundworks for war is so important. Winning each battle has more to do with preparations than we might first expect. The outcome is determined by the preparation and execution of the plan to help us achieve the intended outcome.
Sports teams are a great example of this. The coach comes to the athletes and team practices to rigorously devise and refine the plays necessary to be victorious regularly. The most successful team is often the one that consistently rehearses the best tactics and employs a successful strategy. They may not even be the best athletes or strongest team. You see this result play out all the time.
So what can one do that finds himself in the throes of bad habits already? Let’s see if we can find the answer in the scriptures:
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
Joseph had another tactic. When he was approached by Potiphar’s wife, Joseph resisted her advances and “fled and got him out.”
Whatever strategy you use, remember that it is easier to be proactive and plan now what you will do in the heat of the moment so you are sure to be successful. You are not alone.
The Church has provided many resources beginning with your family, bishop, and The Addiction Recovery Program, which helps individuals overcome addictions through Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
There is hope for recovery.
https://addictionrecovery.lds.org
When was the last time the combined voice of the brethren in the Church really led you astray? That has never happened to me, and I don’t expect it will ever change. What are they saying? Come let us help you. No one should have to overcome an addiction alone.
20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20
The Addiction Recovery Program is a 12-step program that incorporates gospel principles and fosters recovery and healing.
It’s like armor for those that need it most.
In 1989, Walter Penning formed a consultancy based in Salt Lake City and empowered his clients by streamlining processes and building a loyal, lifetime customer base with great customer service. His true passion is found in his family. He says the best decision he ever made was to marry his sweetheart and have children. The wonderful family she has given him and her constant love, support, and patience amid life's challenges is his panacea.
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