How the brain is affected by porn

     Pornography is one of the most addictive and captivating evils that satan is using. It takes the most intimate gift that God has blessed to us and destroys not only the connection between and man and wife, but also destroys the soul of the person trapped in this sin. It changes the mind to think that sex is supposed to look a certain way. Sex is unique to each couple and it is based on what they decide to make it in light of glorifying God.

     This topic has become such a passion because it effects my life in so many ways. Some of it I cannot freely share, but many relationships have been broken. I struggle as I scan through my facebook and see photos posted from a girl I used to babysit. She reveals her body in a provocative manner with only rose petals or dollar bills covering some areas. Tears stream down my face as I remember her as a toddler and how much God loves her. Then I have conversations with friends who are struggling in their marriage. The man desperately wants to be freed from this habit, but the more he tries the deeper it becomes. The woman is cut deep as her love finds intimacy with pics, videos, and sounds of others and slowly rejects her advances. 

     The black market of sex has become more than just entertainment. It effects relationships, work ethic, and social health. Within intimate relationships pornography blows up the idea of sex and makes it a show. There are many acts within porn that most adults wouldn't engage in. Men who 

become caught up in this will experience a greater high of endorphins and eventually not be interested in sex with their wife. Even masturbation can take away the spark of sex with your loved one. "Erotic imagery triggers more dopamine than sex with a familiar partner" (Carter) You create your own sexuality and when you are giving yourself pleasure, the pleasure your wife gives you will not be as strong as if she were the one and only.

     The consistent partaking in pornography and sometimes even masturbation can greatly effect a person's social life. If it becomes something they think about all the time, they might choose to spend less time in public so that they can satisfy the desire. Others may begin to feel guilty and guilt can cause people to close themselves off. It seems counter intuitive but porn can actually cause a person to feel self-conscious about their appearance and sexuality. 

     The over indulgence in dopamine and overloading your brain with a greater high than even sex can cause laziness. It is effecting our society within jobs because people are lacking motivation and drive. They will only do what they have to to get by or to keep their job. Why not go over the top, spend another 10 minutes past shift doing extra, going one step above the norm, doing more than your boss expects. Men who are caught in pornography look for the easiest way to make a living rather than what is the biggest way that I can make a difference in this world?

     These are just a couple things to consider. All I can do is pray for healing and self-control through the Holy Spirit. I do want you to think about your daughter, your mom, your sibling, male or female. How would you feel if you found out they were in the porn industry. Would you think differently when you go online, look at a magazine, or even watch a movie. Think about your loved one, your intimate partner. When you see a girl on the street or in a movie... is it worth it when you are sexually aroused? Stop, turn your head, pray for that person, or turn off the TV. The Holy Spirit is there to guide you if you allow.

Carter, J. (2013, May 8). 9 Things You Should Know About Pornography and the Brain. Retrieved November 23, 2016, from https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/9-things-you-should-know-about-pornography-and-the-brain

'He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Corinthians 1:8

     When you get the sinful desire to look at something disrespectful or to act on a feeling you have remember that you cannot stop and change direction without the power of the Holy Spirit. Do not let your body control you but use the strength of the Spirit in you and resist temptation.

 "Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires." Romans 8:5

like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion. Proverbs 11:22

Here is a good article to gain perspective

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/9-things-you-should-know-about-pornography-and-the-brain