Christian Counseling Today Vol. 22, Iss. 1

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78 christian counseling today VOL. 22 NO. 1
its idolatrous worship of an objectified,
depersonalized body without a soul.
Relationally, the problem with porn
is its (what Jesus called) adulterous
violation of covenantal commitment.
Emotionally, the problem with
porn is its false sense of intimacy
and acceptance, resulting in
self-perpetuating, self-induced, self-
exacerbating shame.
Psychologically, the problem
with porn is its creation of unrealistic
expectations and comparisons
with an unfulfillable, unattainable,
narcissistically-indulged fantasy.
Neurologically, the problem
with porn is its artificially-induced,
biochemical high that becomes a
norepinephrine-driven, habituating,
insatiably-addictive cycle.
What’s lost? Our cultural
foundations are cracking. Love,
intimacy, and meaningful marriage,
while desired, are seen as improbable.
The heart of the matter is not that the
yearning to be intoxicated with real
love, intimate sex, and marriage will
fade (Proverbs 5:19), but rather today’s
generations will believe and consume
anything to fulfill the deepest longings
of their hearts.
Sexual immorality of all kinds is
a hijacked shortcut to meeting one’s
emotional and relational needs. It is like
trying to quench one’s God-given thirst
with filthy, muddy, polluted salt water.
Trying to meet legitimate human needs
of the soul in illegitimate ways never
works.
The resolution? The way forward?
How to grapple with our flesh and
its brokenness? The answers lie in
humility… contrition… remorse…
repentance… prayer… education…
grace… forgiveness… mercy…
deep, intoxicating love… romance
and friendship… faithfulness… an
honorable bed… accountability… and
personal discipline because “he dies for
a lack of discipline” (Proverbs 5:23).
God help us. We need Your heart
and strength to love and be loved. We
have much work to do! ✠
TIM CLINTON, ED.D.,
LPC, LMFT, is President
of AACC, Executive Director
of the Center for Counseling
and Family Studies/
Professor of Counseling
and Pastoral Care at Liberty University, and
co-founder of Light Counseling, Inc., a clinical
practice serving children, adolescents, and
adults. He is the author of several books,
including God Attachment (Howard Books),
The Popular Encyclopedia of Christian
Counseling (Harvest House), and Break
Through (Worthy Publishing).
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