The Eye is the Lamp of the Body

Within a week of its release on Netflix, the thriller Bird Box is well on its way to becoming a cult classic. According to Nielsen ratings, Bird Box reached an unduplicated audience of nearly 26 million viewers within its first 7 days of availability (Dec. 21 to Dec. 27).

While the funny memes inspired by the movie cracked me up (e.g. here and here), I was likewise intrigued as Team Jesus, i.e. “church folk”, chimed in with their interpretations, biblical parallels, and funny videos.

If you haven’t seen the film, here’s a brief synopsis: When a mysterious force decimates the world’s population, only one thing is certain: If you look at it, you take your life. Malorie’s (Sandra Bullock) last ditch effort for her freedom and two small children is a 2-day journey down a river, blindfolded, to the one place left that may offer sanctuary. She realizes the only warning system she has to alert her that the “forces” are near is the screeching chirp of the birds.

By my second viewing, even I could see a parallel that perhaps only a few would understand – or dare to acknowledge within themselves as relevant:

The dark forces in Bird Box could easily represent the spirits of lust that entangle followers of Christ with pornography – an addiction, bondage, and shame that can sabotage and cause one to murder his/her abundant life in Jesus Christ. These spirits are always trying to get you to “look”, with the promise that “it’s beautiful, you’ve got to see it.” The birds, or Holy Spirit, constantly warn us to walk by faith and “cover our eyes”, as He guides us to the refuge of the Most High.

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: The Hidden Porn Problem in the Body of Christ

More Christians – men, women, church leaders, young people – are struggling with the attraction or addiction to porn than ever before. Yet, it’s hardly a topic you hear during Bible studies – and even more scarce during family discussions.

Check out some of the statistical research by Barna in their 2016 landmark study, “The Porn Phenomenon“:

• The average age of a child’s first exposure to pornography is between 8 and 9.
• 3 out of 5 divorces cite the use of porn as a major factor.
• Pornography use increases the marital infidelity rate by more than 300 percent.
• 62% of teenagers (ages 13-17) have received a sexual image via their cell phones.
• 72% of Christian young adults (ages 18-24) actively seek out pornography on the internet.
• 88% of Pastors believe porn is a major issue in their church, yet only 7% provide programs for those struggling with pornography.

Team, this silent, hidden sickness has got to be spiritually eradicated. The warfare of lust is one of the most effective tools of our enemy, especially when we’re sad, bored, depressed, frustrated, disappointed – the hunger for porn will show up for all of these reasons, or no reason at all. And, we can’t ignore the effects of pornography and the proliferation of rape and molestation in society today. Porn is not your friend, it is not to be played with.

5 Chirps That May Guide You to Freedom from Porn

As you read the “chirps” below, examine yourself and find your WHY, your reason to seek help if you struggle with pornography, or your reason to flee and stay free from porn’s grip. The Truth will expose the deceiving whispers of principalities and the rulers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12), as well as the lies we tell ourselves. Truth, make us free…

Chirp #1: It grieves the Holy Spirit to share your temple with lust.

Nothing brings more confusion to life than 2 roommates who are the total opposite of each other and have nothing in common. The Holy Spirit is pure, clean, He is the Spirit of Truth. Lust keeps our minds and bodies filthy and is infected with lies, manipulation, and deception. Our bodies are not our own – our temples are the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). Strive to give the Holy Spirit a temple fit for the Divine Comforter.

Chirp #2: Run to the Word when the spirit of lust stirs.

When those “leaves of lust” begin to stir and you’re searching for a place of refuge, remember that God’s Word will be your hiding place (Psalm 32:7). Nothing kills the “buzz” of lust faster than entering in the presence of God. Can you worship the living God and watch porn at the same time? Is the dark spirit of lust more powerful than our light and salvation in Jesus Christ? Pick up your Bible and begin to read it. Go to YouTube and play your favorite worship song. Fill your space with the glory of God.

Chirp #3: Taking pleasure while others sin qualifies you for the same punishment.

“I wasn’t doing it, I was just watching.” Did you ever try this line with your parents? You weren’t doing the deed, but you were somewhere in the vicinity – egging it on, laughing, “approving” of the behavior. That excuse doesn’t go well with our earthly parents, so you know our Heavenly Father – who sees our heart – will not give us a pass either. Romans 1:32 tells us that when we “take pleasure” in the sinful deeds of others, we’re just as worthy of death as the ones doing the deeds! We won’t escape because we “only looked.” (Psalm 101:3) God requires us to flee – run away – from lust, not entertain it (2 Timothy 2:22).

Chirp #4: Can you lead the porn stars you’ve watched in prayer, or lead them to Christ?

Individuals who are in the porn industry are more than mere objects of pleasure – they are human beings who God loves and gave His Son to die on the cross for their sins. After watching them on that website, movie, or chat room – could you ever lead her or him to Christ? Could you honestly and in “good” faith pray for them after the images you’ve taken pleasure in? Let nothing stifle or damage your witness for God. Guard your eyes and your heart (Proverbs 4:23).

Chirp #5: As you get closer to freedom, beware of familiar voices.

In Bird Box, after Malorie and the kids beat the river and arrived in the woods, the force’s greatest deception was that of familiar voices. As you make small wins toward your freedom from porn, don’t listen to the familiar voices – those who will tell you “there’s nothing wrong with a little peek“, or “pornography is a marital aid – the bed is undefiled.” These voices may be enticing in your vulnerable state, and they may even come from people you know and love. Keep a prayer of discernment in your heart and a focus on deliverance and living porn-free no matter how “beautiful” others say the bondage is.

So, What’s the Play Call?

Deliverance from pornography and lust spirits takes work – repentance, consecration, staying woke about the enemy’s devices, a steady discipline of prayer, reading the Word, and fasting. Whether your deliverance takes weeks, months, years, or God breaks the struggle in an instant – know that greater is He, Jesus Christ, than any lust spirit in the world (1 John 4:4). You have the right and the power to be free and stay free.

Church leaders, prayerfully develop programs and resources for your congregations. Create safe, non-judgmental spaces for people to acknowledge the “porn thorn” and get the help they need. Here are a few resources for further consideration:

• FLESH SERIES: SEX, LUST, PORN AND THE CHRISTIAN
• THE CONQUER SERIES
• FOCUS ON THE FAMILY: OVERCOMING SEXUAL BROKENNESS
• CHRISTIAN COUNSELING AT MYCHRISTIANCOUNSELORS.COM