A Word about Personal Purity in the Internet Age

Consider these two views: which is correct?

"The Internet brings vital, educational information into our lives faster than ever before, and with chat rooms and email, it can re-establish relationships of families separated by hundreds of miles. All of this is accomplished in the comfort of our own home."

or

"The Internet brings hateful, perverted material into our lives faster than ever before, and with chat rooms and email, it can tear apart relationships within a home. All of this is accomplished in the privacy of our darkened offices and dens."

The answer is ...they are BOTH true. And we do ourselves NO FAVORS pretending, otherwise.

Both are happening within our Christian homes and our churches. Women, as well as men - children, as well as adults are being tempted to seek out "entertainment" in web sites and chat rooms that jeopardize our relationships with God, our families, and the communities we are to be reaching out into as a witness of the Gospel of Christ.

WHAT ARE THE STEPS TO REMOVE THE TEMPTATION?

1. ELIMINATE
   Consider your actual NEED of Internet access verses the mental, spiritual, and relationship health of yourself and your family. In the trade-off comparison, there really is no contest.
   If Internet access IS a NEED, find either a reputable Internet Service Provider that provides filtering or purchase filtering software for your computer. If the husband has the problem - let the wife set the security password or visa versa.
2. CLEAN-UP
   Find and remove all damaging downloaded material - you may need the help of a confidential computer expert because this can be harder than it may seem. Your computer records information that you may not be aware of. I have been asked to repair the computers of trusted deacons of the church, only to find traces of pornography, and more. 
   You DON'T want your children or spouse to accidentally find these - especially after you have put the problem behind you.
3. RE-BUILD
   Begin the process of rebuilding relationships with God, your family and friends. Visit a counselor if necessary. Ironic as it may be, you can find Internet Addiction recovery information on the Internet itself.
   Internet addictions can have deep roots. It may take some time to restore what has been lost. But NOW is the time to begin.

"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? 
by taking heed thereto according to thy word."
Psalm 119:9 

WHERE CAN I FIND HELP?
It is not trite to say that you need God's help and the power of the Holy Spirit in your life. Any other attempts to get help will be shallow and surface at best. You will still be morally bankrupt and sin will eat away at your self-righteousness without divine forgiveness and restoration.

1. SALVATION
   Confess your sins and believe in the Jesus Christ of the Gospels. - Romans 10:9
   The one who came to earth, born of a virgin, lived a holy life, died on a cross for your sins, and rose again the third day!
   You need a personal relationship with the giver of peace, Jesus Christ. Christ died on the cross of Calvary and took the punishment for the sin of the world - including yours.
2. FORGIVENESS
   If you already are saved then you need to confess your sin to God and turn away from it. Know that He has promised forgiveness. Don't dwell on the past - work and strive for the future. - Philippians 3:13
   Be bold about removing the source of temptation from your life. (see above "What Steps…")
3. COUNSELING
   Locate a competent, discrete counseling service in your area. You will find strength and recovery in obeying the scriptures to "confess our faults one to another". James 5:16
   There are new areas of counseling in this area available across the Internet itself, through phone support ministries, for men, women, and pastors. Find a resource in your area.

Don't allow the Internet to compromise 
your values and destroy your home.

Take bold, honest actions to protect 
and restore what God has given you.

For more help visit Pure Intimacy Online (PIO), a Focus on the Family Web feature. They provide resources for persons who struggle with online sexual addiction and offers help to their concerned family members.