I recently stumbled into a conversation about the acceptability of soft-core pornography by Christians. No, it wasn’t framed in those terms, but that’s what the conversation was about. Apparently, some “youth leaders” in a local church got upset when someone suggested that “Magic Mike,” a new movie about male strippers, was inappropriate for Christians. Of course the offended youth leaders countered with the usual dribble about their “accuser” being judgmental.
So, I want to address two issues. First, is soft-core pornography really acceptable for those who have confessed Christ as Lord? Let me be clear, this is not just about “church moms” going to view a movie about male strippers. It’s also about “church dads” and pornography addictions. The lure of sexual temptation is ever before us, and it’s an ancient vice. The story of King David’s fall is telling. His descent into the misery of sin began with a rather innocent incident. He inadvertently saw Bathsheba taking a bath. He could have turned away and saved himself and his family much heartache. But what began as an innocent incident ended in the death of Uriah and misery in the house of David. In his prayer of confession and repentance, David cried out, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (Psalm 51:12). But, as we read the ensuing story of David’s house, we realize that the shalom and joy of Yahweh was never restored. Yes, he was forgiven, but even so, sin has horrible consequences (Galatians 6:7). The point here is that there is no such thing as innocent lust. Jesus told us that lust is the seed of adultery:
“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 lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-29).
James, the brother of the Lord, warned us, “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death” (James 1:14-15).
Sadly, many “church homes” are places of misery because moms and dads have turned their eyes and hearts away from God, and away from each other, to find sexual stimulation and pleasure elsewhere. We must remember that our sexual desires are to be fulfilled only in the context of marriage and in the sanctity and privacy of the home (1 Corinthians 7:2-5). Sex was never intended for public display. (I might add that includes posting soft-porn pictures of one’s self on social media websites.)
Second, is it appropriate to hold fellow believers accountable to their confession? In other words, is it appropriate to make judgments about the behavior of others? The “youth leaders” were angered that they were being “judged” because they viewed a movie of questionable content. This question will be the subject for a future blog. For now, the short answer is “Yes!” Even pagans are aware that Jesus said, “Do not judge so that you will not be judged” (Matthew 7:1). But it seems that no one is aware that in the same conversation He also said, “…first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5). Jesus never suggested that we should overlook, or tolerate, the sinfulness of others; but that we should be careful that our own sinfulness is discerned as well. If we make a public confession that Jesus is Lord, and voluntarily associate ourselves with a local church; then yes, we are to be held accountable for our actions (Matthew 18:15-17).
