When I was a young man in the '60s, what was allowed in Playboy magazine was modest by comparison to what I see on billboards and tv ads everyday now. It makes me angry and hearsick at the same time.

I have an old fashioned view of women as special, to be cherished, protected and respected. I have two beautiful daughters and two lovely granddaugters. What today's cultural message is to them about their value and happiness is tragic.

The problem just seems to be getting worse with each new movie, pop song, or televion series. Drugs and booze: same thing and they both tie into the devaluation of women.

As I personally have lost a marriage over this, I wanted to comment on this devotional. Porn is an incredibly destructive vice that is ruining relationships as well as one's own life on a daily basis. It is not being talked about enough and unfortunately, kids are exposed to it at an earlier age than ever. Because of that, it will increase their chances that they will not recover from porn addiction if they fall into it. I say this in hopes that the topic is taken more seriously. Graphic images demeaning the value of women and making them just an object is a horrible thing. If you are viewing porn on a regular or semi regular basis, please stop doing it before it escalates to a point where you lose loved ones, alienate friends, lose your job etc. It happens every single day. On a positive note, I did seek professional help a couple months ago and its helping me overcome this horrible addiction. There is again hope and in Christ, all things are possible. God bless you all.

Matthew,
I will be praying for you, we all have our secret vices, so no one is above falling into Satan's traps. I go by the scripture where Christ said to cast the beam out of our own eye before we try to cast it out of someone else's eye.

Matthew -- Not sure I've fallen into "addiction", but do you have recommendations on the kind of professional help you refer to, or simply further reading?

Thank you for sharing that Matthew. You will now have many prayers lifted up for you.

I myself broke addiction to alcohol almost ten years ago. I assume that all addictions have much in common. I know that they are all of Satan and intended to enslave and destroy.

I don't think it's disputed that faith based recovery programs are far and away the most successful and deserve our support.

The "if it feels good do it" mentality of our culture is a terrible lie. We need to fight back in every way we can.

Jerry, can't thank you enough for that comment and god bless you my friend. Mike, the only thing I can say to you is to realize how serious it is and that it will control you eventually. It literally ruins your character, your ability to carry on healthy and meaningful relationships, distances you from friends and family. It's not worth it. I am a normal hard working man with values and even admitting to the fact I had a problem was so hard because you feel like some pervert. Realize that this is causing alot of problems and affects all men. Do not think you can control it. That would be your biggest mistake and be honest with yourself. Personally, I would suggest not viewing it at all. Period. It's a progressive thing. Last but not least Mike, the fact that you are even asking means it's more serious than you think ok? Take care of it now.

Thank you Grant. I really appreciate that. I do believe that all addictions are the same almost mentally. We are proud of you for breaking that addiction to alcohol. My mother was addicted to alcohol too and it was very tough growing up with that. The worst part about any addiction is that is destroys your soul and I mean that literally. You aren't living but just existing when an addict. It also distances us from Christ which is our pillar of strength.

I believe this scripture is the most ignored in our society. It is thrown in your face daily. No matter how much you pray: for the times to change...(hoping that women will one day stand together as business women and picket their exploitation),...they don't. From the time I was a teen, I have continuously been offended by the way men have looked at me "causually". When I became a Christian, I explained this behavior to myself by calling it a curse...because Eve convinced Adam to betray God, the "adams" of the world will be allowed to betray us. But it is a choice. Can a man be strong enough to close his eyes, even when they are open? I believe it takes a very strong person to look to God, to cling to God, when being tempted. It is a test, and when we fail , satan rejoices.

Renae, I aggree with you but it is not just the men who are guilty, the women are also. I used to drive a route truck for Coca - Cola and often I would deliver for a friend of mine on his route and I delivered to a Beauty Shop, these women were just as bad or worse than men are about this situation. We all need to work on our sins and draw closer to the Lord because I feel he will return very soon and we know that the majority of people on earth will not be looking for him.

this devo. definetly applies to me! I am addicted to porn & sex. I'd like to recommend a book a friend who is also a porn/sex addict (recovering) like me. "Getting to no" by Erwin Lutzer. Great insight!

Today as I was doing Bible study I came across this verse, "Therefore He says: When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men." Ephesians 4:8. I really like that thought that He led captivity captive and it seems to relate to what He can do for those caught up in pornography or any other addiction. He is the Savior who can take whatever is holding us captive and make it captive to His power. Then we are free to receive spiritual gifts that believers receive. He is an awesome God and stronger than the strongest addiction if only people give Him a chance.

Matt, I think that reading a book is fine but it certainly is going to take much further action. I read all the books. They didn't do anything other than confirm what I already knew. You can only overcome it when A. You understand just how destructive it is and B. You make the comittment that it is not going to affect you anymore and you want it out of your life. It takes some strength and I have been pretty successful thus far but it took me getting angry that I was a slave to this addiction and making serioud adjustments in my lifestyle. I got rid of internet in my home, I changed my routine in the evenings to working out and keeping busy, I avoid any inpure thoughts in viewing women as sexual objects. It can be overcome but YOU have to want it that badly.

Jerry, I in no way meant that men were the problem. Afterall it was Eve that tempted him. Yes women are just as bad, though I don't choose to interact with women who conduct themselves in this manner....this devotion speaks directly to men, and so I thought I would voice my opinion on the subject. Yes, you are right, we all are sinners, but there are two angles to view this from and it seems we were focusing on only one side of it. On this side of it, I believe it is a womens responsibility to not tempt, and take full responsibility for her natural beauty, including covering it up.