Remember that you are a child of God. Through the Atonement, you have power to become like Him. You will never find happiness in sinful behavior. Any involvement with pornography damages you spiritually. Do not risk the consequences of sin.
The scriptures will help you understand the power and love of God. Your faith will increase in His ability to strengthen you and free you from this bondage. As you forsake your sins and obey the commandments of God, the influence of the Spirit will return to your life.
The Atonement of Jesus Christ has two powerful effects: it cleanses you from sin, and it strengthens you. Elder Dallin H.
Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve explained: "When a person has gone through the process that results in what the scriptures call a broken heart and a contrite spirit, the Savior does more than cleanse that person from sin. He also gives him or her new strength. The new strength we receive from the Savior is essential for us to realize the purpose of our cleansing from sin, which is to return to our Heavenly Father.
To be admitted to His presence, we must be more than clean.
We must also be changed from a morally weak person who has transgressed into a strong person with the spiritual stature to dwell in the presence of God. We must, as the scripture says, `[become] a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord' (Mosiah 3:19). This is what the scripture means in its explanation that a person who has repented of sins will forsake them (see D&C 58:43). Forsaking sins is more than resolving not to repeat them. Forsaking involves a fundamental change" ("Sins, Crimes, and Atonement," an address given to CES religious educators, Feb. 7, 1992, 12).
However, if you seek out pornography intentionally or if you repeatedly indulge in it or rationalize its use, you should discuss the matter with your bishop.
He can become a great ally.
Be honest with your bishop. Do not hide or minimize your sin. Your honesty will help him understand the extent and seriousness of your problem. He will keep your discussions confidential.
Afterward, you may feel discouraged and repeat the cycle.
You can break this cycle by identifying and controlling the earliest thoughts and actions that lead you to pornography.
Understand your patterns of behavior and your excuses and rationalizations. The earlier you replace negative thoughts the more easily you will avoid the actions that follow them. The best solutions will be those you develop as you counsel with the Lord, but these suggestions may help:
• Fast and pray for help.
• Identify positive activities that can occupy your time, such as studying the scriptures, exercising, or talking with a family member or friend.
• Change your environment. Surround yourself with pictures, music, and literature that will inspire good and uplifting thoughts. Avoid media, people, or settings that have tempted you in the past. Consider disconnecting the Internet or television cable.
• Learn constructive ways to respond to conflict, boredom, or other negative feelings.
• Confide in and seek support from a parent, a spouse, or another trusted family member.
Your desire to change must be powerful…more powerful than your desire for pornography. Ponder your most sincere desires for your life and the life of your family, and focus on accomplishing good instead of dwelling on your struggles with pornography. Jesus Christ taught His disciples, "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light" (Matthew 6:22). The more you fill your life with good thoughts and activities, the less attention you will give to evil.