Pornography Avoidance

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The best approach to disease is to avoid catching it. Likewise our best choice regarding pornography is to avoid it as much as possible. In a world in which filth can sometimes invade our field of view, however, what about those times when we have been exposed against our will? A number of protections are available even in those conditions.

A General Conference Talk

In the April-2014 General Conference, Linda Reeves (Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) mentioned one condition from an experience in her family:

Many years ago one of our children was noticeably distressed. I stepped into her bedroom, where she opened up her heart and explained to me that she had been at a friend’s home and had accidentally seen startling and disturbing images and actions on the television between a man and a woman without clothing. She began sobbing and expressed how horrible she felt about what she had seen and wished she could get it out of her mind. I was so grateful that she would confide in me, giving me a chance to soothe her innocent and aching heart and help her know how to get relief through our Savior’s Atonement. I remember the sacred feelings I had as we knelt together, as mother and daughter, and petitioned the help of our Heavenly Father.

Sister Reeves also said, “Filters are useful tools, but the greatest filter in the world, the only one that will ultimately work, is the personal internal filter that comes from a deep and abiding testimony of our Heavenly Father’s love and our Savior’s atoning sacrifice for each one of us.”

Other Protections

Becoming aware of the dangers of pornography addiction, and of how serious that addiction can become, can help us avoid becoming trapped. Yet many more protections are available, and they can be simple.

Before using a computer or hand-held device connected to the internet, think about how you will change pages, or turn away, or even turn it off, should you inadvertently encounter anything pornographic. That could be a life saver.

Place a decent photo of a family in view, especially where you can turn to it should any dirty image accidentally come into your view. It could be your own family, or even a family of persons that you don’t know, as a framed picture on the wall behind your computer screen. Tell yourself, before you use your computer, that you’ll look to that photo if anything filthy comes across the screen of your computer. That way, you’ll have something positive to enter your mind, taking the place of the filth that was thrown at you against your will. In addition, that would be a good time to say a prayer.

A young family having fun at a beach

 

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What Should I do When I See Pornography?

A delightfully refreshing video to help children know what to do when they have seen a pornographic image. (Turn away from it and talk to a parent or trusted adult.)

Family Home Evening: Pornography Solutions

“May we ever be courageous and prepared to stand for what we believe, and if we must stand alone in the process, may we do so courageously . . .” (President Monson)

The Filter of a Deep and Abiding Testimony

“What do I want my grandchildren to know?” This morning I would like to talk frankly to my family and to yours.

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