Pornography - What's the Harm in Looking?

I just have to speak out about an issue that is a sore spot for me. Maybe it is just because I am a woman that I feel this way, but I want to get it out there.

Pornography is not harmless. Neither to the viewer, the participants or to the spouses of those who are looking at this stuff.

We have already found out that the Bible says not to commit adultery. What about Matthew 5:28 "but I say to you, that everyone who LOOKS on a woman to LUST for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart."

Well, the whole point of pornography is to arouse someone sexually and create lust. So as far as the Bible says, you have already committed adultery in your heart if you are looking on a woman with lust. Which means if you are looking at porn, you are committing adultery in your heart. You may not have physically done it, but you did it nonetheless.

I have heard all the justifications you could imagine. "It's not the women that excite me, but the acts." "I was thinking of you." "This will make our relationship more exciting." "I'll never meet this person, so what's the harm?"

I can tell you there is harm. Even if there wasn't scripture like Matthew 5:28; if you are doing something that causes your wife grief, hurt and shame, then it can't be good. Aren't you to love your wife? To keep yourself only to her?

If you are committing adultery in your heart by lusting after a woman, even in a picture or a video; then you are going against what God wants for your marriage.

Pornography is readily available now with the technological advances. Ipods, Iphones, browser capable phones, computer software that wipes your history and covers your tracks; it all allows someone to find these images and hide the fact. You can't hide from God though.

"All things are naked and opened to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do." Hebrews 4:13

"Be sure your sin will find you out." Numbers 32:23

What kind of marriage do you have if you are basing it on deceptions and hidden sins? Even if your wife never finds out, what does that say about your character?

Resources
Day 38 - How Many Times For Forgiveness?

Diane Dew - Pornography And The Bible