In the first half of the 1900’s, organized crime thrived when society sought to escape life’s harsh realities through alcohol, gambling and prostitution.

These were considered “harmless vices” and “victimless crimes.” Adults consented–nobody got hurt. At least that’s the way these distractions from life were portrayed.

Today we have embarked on a new level of perversion, one that makes past vices pale in comparison. Not surprisingly there are many parallels between old-school thinking and a new crime of the heart, especially in believing that this is a harmless vice or victimless crime. It is, of course, pornography.

Social media makes it easier than ever to see what we should never see—pornography in the privacy of our bedrooms, or laptops, cell phones, or … wherever we want it.

Is this really a harmless vice or a victimless crime? Is it a crime at all? Is it even wrong … I mean, who gets hurt? Let’s take a look.

Those who are involved in the manufacture of pornography pay an enormous price, but for a moment lets not even consider that. Instead we’ll focus on those who partake. Is pornography as bad as adultery? It doesn’t involve anyone but the person choosing to sign on to the website—right?

Scripture is clear when addressing the subject of adultery. In Matthew 5:27-28, Jesus says,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”

There is no doubt—pornography isn’t like adultery—pornography is adultery. We can’t have a close walk with God, a ministry, a healthy and happy family life or good marriage if we have pornography in our lives.

Some marriage counselors recommend viewing pornography as a couple in order to spice up a marriage. If anyone ever recommends this to you, leave—no discussion—no argument, just leave. Why? My marriage to my wife is to be a reflection of Christ and His bride the Church. How I treat my wife shows the world how Christ treats His bride, the Church. A perversion of my relationship with my wife (as in adultery/pornography) could therefore never be acceptable to God. That is why Jesus made this so clear in the verses above and elsewhere in scripture—the Ten Commandments for example.

Men and women should run from pornography, pray against it, turn our backs on it and refuse to participate in it. It’s wrong, it is destructive, and has no place in marriage or any part of our lives.

I would love to hear from you on this issue. Please leave a Comment Here.