4 Vital Behaviors to Withstand Pornography Temptation
Parents
1. Parents have primary responsibility to teach children gospel principles, including law of chastity and intimacy
Discuss with son/daughter openly before, during and after “viewing”
- Engage in regular and continued discussions from age 3-18
- Adjust message based on age, maturity, and experience
Define, warn, and inspire action
- Define what it is.
- Warn that going to see it; accidental viewing isn’t wrong! Seeking out is wrong.
- Inspire action: teach to turn away, turn it off, turn to parent/adult immediately
- Don’t shame – be part of the team
Family and individuals
2. Become More Converted
"Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit and you shall have peace in me."" (D&C 19:23)
Learn of Me
- In the Highland UT East Stake, we search, ponder, and pray every day
- Last five prophets have told us to read the Book of Mormon every day
- Pres. Nelson: “I promise that as you daily immerse yourself in the Book of Mormon, you can be immunized against the evils of the day, even the gripping plague of pornography and other mind-numbing addictions”
Listen to my words
- Come Follow Me program
- Seminary
- Class/Quorum/Activity Night
- FHE
Walk in the meekness of my Spirit
Personal Worship is key: Scriptures, Living Prophets’ words, Prayer, Fasting, Sacrament
Children & Youth
3. Talk To Your Leaders Immediately
"Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit and you shall have peace in me."
Now is the time no matter if …
- Haven’t yet seen or “viewed”
- Have viewed, but not presently
- Are viewing
Silence makes habit stronger; Talking about it makes it weaker and enables individual to address w/ others instead of alone. This is very healing.
- Parents – encourage children to meet w/ bishop if not confessed
- Parents – encourage spouse to meet w/ bishop if not confessed
- Leaders – encourage youth to discuss w/ parents
Seek Counsel
4. Obtain qualified counseling if significant habit (for individual or spouse)
Professional Therapists
- LDS Family Services is a good option
- Marriage Counseling
12 Step Program (Adults and Spouse Support)
- SA Lifeline
- LDS Addiction Recovery
Life Changing Services
- Sons of Helaman & Men of Moroni
- Warrior Women of Light & Daughters of Light
- Mothers Who Know
President Sheffield group
1) Adults and youth welcome
2) August 2022 endorsement:
“I am eternally grateful for the classes you taught about using our agency to choose. During my teenage years I thought overcoming a habit was impossible and a mission couldn’t be for someone like me. I’m so grateful for the tools that you showed me to overcome this and the joy I found in repentance. I carried around a lot of weight and shame that caused me grief, damaged my self-confidence and self-worth as a son of God and caused other problems. When I reached out for help I experienced the joy that comes from repentance and saw the miracle of the Atonement in my life. I got back control of my agency. The additional light in my life changed me completely. I testify there is joy and peace in repentance and there is always a way back. I know there are others who struggle and are battling the same thoughts I dealt with. The classes you offer have helped many of us.”
