Hello. My name is Travis. And I’m a recovering porn addict.
It’s cliché and we often make jokes about it, but alcoholics anonymous is right on. The first step to recovery and healing is to admit we have a problem. In James it says to “confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” So praying, “God forgive me,” is enough to be forgiven, but it’s not enough to find healing.
One of the other interesting things about alcoholics anonymous is that they never say, “I’m a recovered addict.” They always emphasis, “I’m a recovering addict.” You’ve seen the movies and TV shows: “My name is Bob, and I’ve been sober for 15 years now.” There’s great importance in that language. It’s a somber admission that, though I’ve been without for years, at any moment, I’m just as susceptible as I ever was.
So here’s the truth. I’m not going to tell you how long I’ve been porn free, because it’s not really relevant, and it’s not that profound. The reality is, I’m an addict. Yet, I’m determined to recover, though it may take a lifetime. Today, as yesterday, I am just as able to give in. When I’m porn free for fifteen years, I’ll be just as capable of going back as I am today. It really brings home the words of Christ, “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.”
Please pray for me.