Growing up I remember being quite terrified of walking down a dark alley. Seems like in every movie or television show I watched, bad things happened in dark alleys. Even to this day I still get a little nervous if I’m walking downtown in a city somewhere at night and pass a dimly lit alleyway. Usually alleys have tall buildings on either side which means it can easily become a trap for an unsuspecting traveler wandering through. Then there’s always the danger that something or someone could be lurking behind a dumpster ready to pounce on you! Remember what people say about creepy or scary looking people, “wouldn’t want to meet him in a dark alley!” Okay, I’ve made myself scared now!
Unfortunately I don’t think we can avoid alleys in this life. An alley can provide a short cut for sure, but there’s a vulnerability there and a real risk of encountering something more powerful than we can handle. Ok, so I’m sounding a bit sinister here. Let me make my point. Alleys are everywhere. An “alley” is really a temptation, its a spiritual challenge walled on both sides, narrow, dark, and scary, with limited options for a quick exit.
The porn alley seems to have become the most seductive, it draws so many of us off the main path. Funny thing is it’s dark alright, but it’s also well lighted. Think about it. It’s right out there in the open, well lit, visible, and even welcoming. It used to be that porn was outside the mainstream, tucked away in little obscure bookstores with darkened windows. Now porn retailers have billboards, websites, and radio ads.
Porn alley even sends a message of safety, and fulfillment. But it is darkness, and it darkens the soul. Clever deception. It comes off as light, goodness, and beauty but at the end of the day it is dark, evil, and ugly. It isn’t light at all as some would have you believe. You may even physically survive the stroll through the dark alley of porn but your soul won’t be the same.
Today, I was thinking about sobriety, and a standing decision I’ve made never to travel back down the dark alley of porn. At times its tempting for sure. But like I said, I’m afraid of dark alleys and I’ve acquired a different fear now. I’m not terrified. I simply live in fear (awe and deep wonder) of the One who rescued me from the dark path I had traveled. I fear God, I revere Him, love Him, and desire only to serve Him. I desire for His light to guide my every path now and lead me away from the alleys I’m tempted to travel. I’m grateful for His grace on this wild journey.
4 Ways to avoid the “dark alley” of porn:
Remember God has a plan for your life. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Practice the basics. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Seek the light of scripture. (Psalm 119:105)
Recruit a friend. (Proverbs 18:24)