From the perspective of the virtual fulfillment porn brings, the likely answer for so many of us is no. On the flip side of that though, relative to porn's ease of access and addictiveness, the answer is a resounding yes ("cut the cord, flip the off switch", etc).
Therefore, for many of us, our answer will always lie much closer to the latter than the former within this laughably unorthodox, Internet-capable world we now reside within.
Now, I used the word fulfillment up there in that first sentence, and this is a bit of a misnomer. Porn, just like drug use, doesn't technically fulfill since it's a stopgap solution. But, I'm not aware of a better word here. Perhaps I should simply add the word "temporary" in front of "fulfillment".
So, let me re-write that first sentence as such:
From the perspective of temporary fulfillment (virtual) porn brings, the likely answer for so many of us is no.
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Considering the expanse between this no and yes (harkening back to those first two sentences), where do you fall?
And this is such a timely question to ask as of late during the start of the holidays, because we're usually forced to relinquish our routines enough to actually see our true selves (in light of family / friends).
Now, before I go any further, I need you to know that I'm in no way attempting here to elevate, celebrate, or pontificate to porn or any other salacious imagery that's designed to visually stimulate. Also, I'm neither wiping the slate clean regarding the glory of God and how we as believers can and should be totally absolved within it, therefore finding our true identity / deep seated value there is and will always be the highest goal via faith in Jesus Christ.
Why then write the first section to this post as I did? Aren't I a Christian? Yes. But, I'm also a realist with a story of his own.
Our flesh (we) has needs, and porn is available to man as a means to fulfill those needs. All the while as a culture, it's now been deemed an "acceptable, harmless inevitability". It is as prevalent as the automobile or underwear. And as disposal too. And these days, as indispensably cheap as most culture's drinking water. Porn is the old and new math combined.
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Needs. Don't we hate that word? Especially as Christian men. It makes most of us want to puke just admitting to its very existence within the masculine realm.
Now, let's be more specific.
What do those needs consist of / look like over the course of / taking into consideration this holiday week?
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! (That was a scream.)
And no, I'm not referring to your need to have someone go down on you - at your beck and call - whilst managing the familial hijinks involved within the holiday ahead.
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So here are my needs. These are from my general list.
- To be pursued
- To be written to in love
- Complex, masculine personal discovery through platonic (friendships) experiences
- To be reminded that I have needs and of what they are
And yes, I've a plan currently in place to have some of these met this holiday week.
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Do yourself a favor. Identity your specific needs for this day, this week, this month, the remainder of this year and from there, be intentional about finding ways to have them met in a way that's Christ's honoring. And don't forget that Samson Society, at its very best, should exist to assist you in this needs fulfillment.
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