How The On-Demand Era Is Changing Attitudes Towards Sex

In an era of fast-food restaurants, microwaves, online shopping, and on-demand movies, we have become accustomed to instantaneous results for all of our desires.

Patience is no longer a virtue to be cherished, and in fact, has seemingly been tossed to the wayside.

Literally, everything we need and crave is available at our fingertips. While this is convenient, it is not always healthy. Not only does it teach us that we can have everything without waiting, it also begins habit-forming patterns in our lives.

Dependent Of Technology

Anything can become addictive – video games, social media, and even pornography. The more we are logged in, the more our brains become connected to the objects on the screen. We then resort back to those things when we are bored, lonely, hungry, tired, stressed, or overwhelmed.

Often, we will invest time, energy, and even arguments to guard and protect these things that we have become dependent upon.

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The more we are logged in, the more our brains become connected to the objects on the screen.

Paul Cole, president of the Christian Men’s Network shares,

“Whatever attracts and holds your attention will eventually control the direction of your life.”

Social Media

People have become dependent on social media to promote businesses, their political beliefs, or their religious beliefs. They declare that it is a great way to stay connected with distant family members or friends. Countless individuals use it to promote themselves, as social media thrives on the infamous selfie photo.

But what about the dark side of social media? At alarming rates, people are comparing themselves to others. Feelings of inadequacy surface, as we struggle to fully comprehend that people only publish the good things about themselves. Nobody hangs dirty laundry outside for all to see.

And we cannot forget how social media has become a gateway to the sex trafficking world. Lost individuals connect with people who promise them the world, but lead them to a life of victimization and torment.

Related Article: This Is How Porn And Sex Trafficking Are Linked

Porn

Often, a person’s first encounter with porn was unintentional though it can create a lifelong struggle.

Ever Accountable reports that children are likely exposed to pornography in one of two ways.

1. Stumbling Upon It Accidentally

Today’s generation no longer has to painstakingly scour encyclopedias at the local library in order to conduct research for a school project. And while this is great, there is also a hidden dark side.

Some porn companies prey on the probability of misspelled words, or incorrectly typed web addresses. One small mistake and a child who was expecting to go to an educational website will find themselves introduced to pornography.

Also, individuals can happen across pornography as a result of advertisements listed within online video games. One company, which owns several porn sites, recently started a gaming platform. They offer free-to-play games, which allure the youngest of players.

2. Hearing About Porn From A Family Member Or Friend

We hear countless stories of children who were first introduced to pornography by a friend. Some had a photo or video shared with them. For others, they were instructed to go home and research a specific term on the internet.

However, there are also individuals who are first subjected to pornography as a result of discovering their parent’s struggle.

Kanye West, in opening up about his pornography addiction, mentioned that he found his dad’s Playboy magazine when he was young. He shared,

“Playboy was my gateway into full-blown pornography addiction. My dad had a Playboy left out at age 5, and it’s affected almost every choice I made for the rest of my life.”

Long Term Effects Of Porn

True, not everyone who views porn once will become addicted. For those introduced to porn at a young age, however, the likelihood of addiction becomes even greater.

To understand this, you must first begin to understand the brain. Astonishingly, this organ works to constantly optimize itself through a concept known as neuroplasticity.

Neuroplasticity is at its highest during adolescent years. Because of this, a young brain is quickly shaped by experiences – whether good or bad.

Neuroplasticity is at its highest during the adolescent years. Because of this, a young brain is quickly shaped by experiences – whether good or bad. These experiences determine much of one’s character, which will follow them well into adulthood.

As an adult, when people realize that they are trapped in pornography, a struggle to break free ensues. The older one gets, the harder it becomes for the brain to restructure itself. This does not mean that it’s impossible, it simply means that change will not happen overnight.

The process of renewing the mind can take 2-5 years.

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The Shortest Route

In our culture, we demand quick solutions. Likely, we will avoid anything that requires a significant investment of time or effort.

Exodus 13:17 states, “When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’” Take note of this, especially when seeking to break free from sexual addiction. God could have allowed them to take the shorter path, which is something that we all want. But He didn’t.

In a world that craves instantaneous results and satisfaction, we’re constantly looking for the quickest way possible to get the desired end result. But God knows our strengths and weaknesses and knows that a shorter distance can actually bring more chaos and confusion.

He knows what is too much for us to endure, and so He sometimes leads us on a path that is longer yet bears more fruit in our lives. The shortest route is not always the easiest.

Avoiding The Pain

Along the way, there are going to be painful moments. You may feel like you’re making progress one day, while feeling like you’re alone in the wilderness the next. But regardless of how big the giant in front of you may seem, it’s important to remind yourself of God’s past faithfulness.

Related Article: Milestones: Remembering How Far You’ve Come

In Moses’ despair of who God was going to send to walk out the journey alongside him, God offered His reassurance. Exodus 33:14 states, “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.””

God will not set your feet in motion to an area that will bring certain destruction. He’s loving, gracious, and compassionate, and has great plans for you that you may not yet believe for yourself.

Where To Begin

As mentioned earlier, the journey to freedom following a struggle with pornography or sexual addiction takes time. But for more than two million men around the world, they are finding hope through the Conquer Series.

The Conquer Series is a powerful cinematic study, which combines both science and Scripture, that seeks to help those trapped in pornography. You will learn about the brain and why trying harder does not work. And you will be guided on the journey to identifying painful moments that are contributing to the on-going struggle that you are facing.

Furthermore, the powerful testimonies, insight from experts, and practical tools help one understand the importance of finding their identity in Christ while highlighting that freedom can be found.

Related Article: How These 3 Men Quit Porn

Join the Conquer Series

Watching a weekly video is not enough. Journaling and completing activities in the interactive study guide are essential for the battle. They will help you identify the underlying root causes of addiction while providing you with activities and daily devotionals that will continue to transform and renew your mind.

Understand that this is not a battle that can be won in isolation. Consider joining a Conquer Group, where you can connect with other godly men. These men will encourage you, hold you accountable, and pray for you. Abram Johnston from Montpelier, Ohio shares,

“In the last 2 years God changed my course to search for healing instead of working so hard to gain sobriety. This journey led me last year to the Conquer Series which helped me to intentionally walk through this healing with other men, instead of trying to do it on my own. I can now say that I have been clean longer now than I have been in 20 years, and I’m so excited to step into a role of helping other men find this freedom.”

In a world that focuses on self-preservation, stepping forward to get help seems daunting. But take it from others who have boldly stepped forward, the sacrifice is worth the reward.