Foreword adn warning:

This entry is rated what it is because of its topic; sexual temptation and purity. It is mostly leveled at guys, as I don't really know what girls face in this subject.

I decided to write this because while I was searching for a picture of a forest sprite, of all things, a number of items came up in the search results that disgusted me. The forest sprite was typically depicted in mythology as a small green feminin - looking creature, and some of the results weren't what I had bargained for. Now some of you who agree with my standpoint are probably nodding, while those against are calling me a sheltered fool. I'll admit it. I am sheltered from this kind of thing. But does that make it any better? Does that justify the evil? I certainly think not. It is very obvious that at least America has been declining in this. Look at the swimwear of people in '40s and '50s; it's pretty much just regular clothing worn into the water. Now look at today's: in paricular, the bikini (I meant that figuratively, not literally). Also compare what was worn in the 1800's to today; society seems to be obsessed with showing as much as possible. Furthermore, in an incident such as mine, where such pictures are found unintentionally, it becomes painfully obvious that things are not looking good for those who wish to remain sexually pure. Even if you don't go searching for porn, it will come searching for you. This is further exemplified in email spam (or so I've heard, I don't have an email account of my own). So there you have it, out on the table: the problem of trying to remain pure among so much bambardment. So what do you do to resist, to fight back? First target, if nessesary: yourself. The Bible says to remove "all signs of sexual impurity", because we have been redeemed and paid for by God and we are now His (I forgot which book, I'll have to look it up). This means not only what you see and hear outside of thought, but within it as well. Now first off, if you try to simply back out of it, it won't work. You simply have to cut it off, severe the head of the snake. This can seem daunting, and I'm not saying its easy, but with prayer and dedication I'm confident anybody can beat this sin. Now first off, stop your eyes. Take such measures as steering clear of the internet if you're home alone or feeling vulnerable. If something comes on while you're watching TV, simply change the channel or turn away until its over. In the book "Every Man's Battle" (whose title I have partially copied; it can be more of a war), the authors describe a technique called "bouncing the eyes"; sounds kind of weird, I know, but effective. When you see something sensual, simply "bounce" your eyes to something else. Keep in mind that purging yourself of this will not be easy, and I've found that Satan seems to double his attacks during the process and if you ever let your guard down. While you're "starving your eyes", do the same to your mind. "But I don't think them intentionally; they pop into my head!" says you. Now here's what I've found to work: start by "taking every thought captive", as the Bible says; if it's an image, simply stop it and destroy it. Literally. Have it blow up or shatter or whatever works for you; be creative. Now you're gaping at the screen saying how stupid that seems, and I have to agree with you; it sounds more like a joke. But you'll find that it'll create enough gap in the temptation for escape, and such mental training does help. I've found that between that and simply thinking about something else alone, destroying the thought is much more effective. Now if it's a sentence or something, simply remind yourself that you follow only God, not Satan, and such thoughts have no place in you. Keep this up, even amidst extreem temptation, and you should come out on top with God's help. That is an essential concept; you can't do this on your own, you need help from God. Also, if this just isn't working for you, talk to a youth pastor or Bible teacher about having an accountability partner. It may seem embarrassing, but keep in mind that you're most certainly not alone, and believe me when I say from experience that conquering this is a great feeling. I can guarantee by the nature of sin alone that when you succeed you will have a closer relationship with God, and it will feel as if a thousand pounds has lifted, like you can breath again. Compare that to what the other road has to offer: if you're ever married, you bring that with you (but what I've heard, and I'm not especially surprised about, is that marriage is not a cure to this, based again on the nature of sin. I'll explain later in this). Furthermore, this leads ultimately to perversions. I've never heard of anyone being born homosexual, and rapists and molesters don't just wake up one day and decide to commit such crimes. Rather, these are results of the road this sin offers; as with other sins it just keeps building. One thing becomes not enough, and it just keeps getting worse and worse until the aforementioned results ultimately come into play. Now I'm not condemning sex in and of itself; God designed it to be holy, the joining of two souls. But, like other things, Satan can twist it into something wrong. God intended it to be within marriage to your spouse and no one else. Yet through Lucifer cities like Las Vegas develope; now I don't mean the people who actually live there, I'm talking about the clubs. As far as what I said before about marriage not being an instant cure to this, this is because of the road I also mentioned before. Now girls, correct me if I'm wrong, but by what I know you don't draw as much gratification through the eyes as guys do. So, if you're dating somebody and he cranks up the courage to tell you he has an addiction, or you find out some other way, don't take him as some twisted psycho and dump him on the spot. Rather, pray for him, as visual temptation to a guy is a very big deal. Now, shifting back to what I was saying before, the second target: those around you. Encourage anyone who you know suffers from this and do what you can to help. This may test you're own resiliance, though, so be careful. Finally, if anyone who is reading this has this problem or knows someone who does, feel free to send me an anonymous review and I'll pray for you. For the record, I overcame this around three or four years ago and have been glad of it ever since (those who know me outside of this, don't think any less of me because of it. After all, this is every man's war.).