R.S. Lesson: Dec 3, 2017

Last Sunday, Sister Goss taught a lesson on Chapter 18 from Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Gordon B. Hinckley, which touches on five points related to virtue:

1. Virtuous living brings marvelous and wonderful blessings.

2. When we rise above the filth and immorality of the world, we enjoy greater happiness, security, and peace of mind.

3. Pornography is addictive and destructive, but we can rise above it.

4. With discipline and effort, we can control our thoughts and actions.

5. Those who have been involved in immoral behavior can be forgiven and can rise above the past.

Our lesson primarily focused on the struggle against pornography. These days it seems to be unavoidable. There are no fail-safe measures that are foolproof. We must all learn to listen to the spirit and be vigilant.

When struggling ourselves, or talking with someone (a son or daughter, a friend, a spouse) about their struggle, it is important to be compassionate and loving. Don't shun or shame those who struggle. The shame that accompanies pornography is often more damaging than the pornography itself. The best way to handle it is to see the bishop and talk with righteous friends and family.

Shame is a destructive feeling that needs 3 things to survive: Secrecy, Silence, and Judgment.



A couple of the many resources and articles from LDS.org to help and/or provide more information:

• Overcoming Pornography through the Atonement of Jesus Christ (this Church web page has lots of instructions and useful resources)

• Addiction Recovery Program (meetings to help people overcome addiction, and support group meetings for their family and friends)

• "Keeping Safe...in an iEverything World"  

•  8 Strategies to Help Children Reject Pornography 

 

Questions to Consider: How do we raise a sin resistant generation? In other words, how do we help our kids act when (not if) they they come across pornography? What are ways to approach those who battle pornography addiction?