In a society that encourages self-gratification and self-preservation at all cost, even if that cost is the betterment of another human being, we have entered into a Pandora's Box, so to speak. You want to have sex for recreational fun? Over-the-counter contraception, Plan B (aka the morning after pill), and access to readily provided abortion clinics are now at your fingertips. Are you seeking a way to feed intimacy without the added element of commitment? Endless pornography sites laced thought the World Wide Web along with companionship at the price of sex trafficking and slavery are a single click of the mouse away. We so desire to have love, yet we continue to push the very definition of love out of the picture and instead seek pleasure and our own gratification. The common argument that “boys will be boys,” or “there’s no harm in looking” is miles away from the actual truth on this matter. So what exactly is the harm?

Pornography affects the very chemical makeup and function of the viewer’s brain. Just like hard drugs such as cocaine floods the center of the brain with dopamine, the feel good chemical, pornography sets off the same reaction. However, with extended use of pornography, the brain’s dopamine receptors become too flooded and the brain begins to rid itself of the excess receptors. With less receptors, the ability to achieve the same high dwindles and the viewer must view more porn or rather more hard core material in the desire to achieve the same high as the first time.

Sadly, addiction is only the beginning of a serious problem. Studies on drug addictions have shown that it can begin to cause physical damage to the brain as the frontal lobes begin to shrink. This is the part of the brain responsible for decision making as well as logic and problem solving skills. This damage has also been seen in porn users as well along with erection dysfunction at alarmingly young ages, inability to bond to a partner, poor relationships and sex life, and a multitude of other issues. The brain literally rewires itself to bond to a computer screen rather than a human being.

The same can be found in those who practice masturbation. Although it is often thought of as a safe way to release sexual tension, it in fact has a list of its own harmful effects including erectile dysfunction in men, damage to the sexual nerves or organs in both men and women, weakness due to the release of certain chemicals, heart palpitations, quick sperm release, dizziness and headaches, lack of sexual pleasure in a partner, etc. Sex becomes an undesirable activity instead of its intended use within a marriage to satisfy and bond each partner solely to the other. So is it simply just harmful looking? I would have to say the facts disagree. However, there is hope. Once a viewer abstains from viewing the explicit images and indulging in acts of self-gratification, most if not all the effects and damage can reverse after a period of time.

Matthew 5:28 says, “But I say to you that whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her in already in his heart.” Respect and honor seems to be lacking in our generation and the ones before it. Teaching our young men and women to guard their eyes, minds, and bodies has become near obsolete. Sex is simply a taboo subject that isn’t discussed, especially with the young who are curious to know and understand. We act as though lust is a natural part of a man’s makeup, and a woman showing a bit too much skin is her earned right. When did pretty smart and pretty kind take the back seat as hot, sexy, and desirable became the trend?

What if we raised up a mass movement of people who refuse to comply to this diluted, selfish rendition of a cold, self-centered love and instead fought for a love so passionate, selfless, and accepting that no one could deny its power? What if we focused on loving our neighbors, significant others, friends, and even the ones that nobody seems to want anything to do with like Christ did? Unconditional, honoring, encouraging, uplifting love that knows no bounds. Let’s raise up a new generation and teach them about these things. Let us be a new generation that seeks His face beyond our own noses. Let’s be a generation that knows Love.

*For more information on the harmful effects of pornography check out: http://fightthenewdrug.org/get-the-facts/

**Also, for more information on masturbation see the link below: http://www.howtostopmasturbation.com/negative-effe...