Pornography

#1.“Whether it be through the printed page, movies, television, obscene lyrics, the telephone, or on a flickering personal computer screen, pornography is overpoweringly addictive and severely damaging. This potent tool of Lucifer degrades the mind, heart, and the soul of any who use it.” (Richard G. Scott-Sanctity of Woman)

The body is a precious gift that God gave to each spirit being that chose to follow His son, Jesus Christ. We should not abuse this gift in any way. Pornography plagues the mind and overwhelms the brain with unrighteous thoughts where there could be room to think about scholarly and uplifting things. Any form of pornography should be avoided and removed from our lives. To view another in such a state is to mock our Father in Heaven that His precious gift of blood and bone is nothing more than an item of entertainment. People mean more than that to Him and should mean more to each of us. 

#2. "It is interesting that people who are involved with pornography often assume a false identity and hides their participation. They mask their conduct, which they know is reprehensible and destructive to everyone they care about." (Quentin L. Cook-What E’er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part: Avoid Wearing Masks That Hide Identity)

Each of us have the light of Christ within us that guides us to understand right from wrong. It is a peculiar thing that those who use pornography hide there addiction, almost like a silent manifestation that they are choosing wrong. Being secretive then not only harms their soul and confidence, but others who are important to them as well. Pornography is destructive, bottom line.

#3. "Pornography is a plague that is detrimental not only to a person’s moral standing with God, but it can also destroy marriages and families and has an adverse impact on society" (Quentin L. Cook-What E’er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part: Avoid Wearing Masks That Hide Identity)

Just like a plague wipes out several lives, so does one user of pornography negatively affect several other lives. Not only are they abusing their relationship with Heavenly Father, but this destructive behavior will destroy those who are near close and trust that you have a pure heart and good intent. This impact destroys families and societies and all because of a single person's choice to give into that terrible temptation.

#4. “Stay completely away from pornography. Do not allow yourself to view it, ever. It has proven to be an addiction which is more than difficult to overcome.” (Priesthood Power-Thomas S. Monson)

Physical addictions are terribly difficult to overcome, but addictions of the mind are far worse. With physical addictions, you can visually watch the change and difference your body goes through, but with the mind it's not as clear and with pornography being so easily available to access, it's harder to avoid. Just don't ever go there initially. Overcome the natural man and rise above the ways of the world.

#5. “The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and … the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.” (Thomas S. Monson-Priesthood Power)

Access to the priesthood power are unavailable to those who are not living the principles of righteousness. Those who obtain such a power should understand its capabilities and how they are not to be trifled with. The priesthood is a privilege, you must earn the right to possess it. Those who are not living in accordance to its law do not get to administer its power.

#6. “Those involved with pornography or any other form of immorality are acting out a different role from what they really want to be or should be.” (Quentin L. Cook-What E’er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part: Avoid Wearing Masks That Hide Identity)

It is not in the plan for our life to sin, or specifically, view pornography  That is not a part of the plan of happiness whatsoever. Not ever for a "every now and again enjoyment". Immorality does not bring true and everlasting joy, it does not work in accordance to our purpose in the world, it is not of God. 

#7. “It is ridiculous to imply that pornography has no effect. There is a definite relationship to crime. Murder, robbery, rape, prostitution, and commercialized vice are fed on this immorality. Sex statistics seem to reflect a relationship between crime and pornography.” (Quentin L. Cook-What E’er Thou Art, Act Well Thy Part: Avoid Wearing Masks That Hide Identity)

Pornography is of Satan and his attempt to distract us from our good purpose on this earth. When we are trapped in his snare, he will tempt us even stronger with other acts of sin. When we justify one sin, we get into the habit and begin to justify others. This in no way will bring joy to our souls. To say that pornography has no effect is a disgusting lie that many have convinced themselves of.

#8. "Pornography, in particular, is a weapon of mass moral destruction. Its impact is at the forefront in eroding moral values. Some TV programs and Internet sites are equally lethal. These evil forces remove light and hope from the world.” (Let There Be Light-Quentin L. Cook)

With pornography being easily welcomed into the society of today, us and our loved ones are in immediate danger of its destruction. This will only begin the uprooting of other once strong moral values. We must avoid pornography. It just doesn't make sense that any being who desires true joy would choose moral destruction. If light and purpose be the desire of your heart, which I know it is for everyone, choose not to allow any type of pornography into your life.

#9. “Pornography and perversion have become so commonplace in our lives that the sources of this material are everywhere. I have found pornographic magazines by the roadside and in dumps. We need to talk to our children and explain how evil these things are and encourage them to avoid looking at them when they come across them” (Rise Up, Oh Men of God-Gordon B. Hinckley)

Pornography has worked its way into our society too easily and is now available even with just the click of a mouse. I know from and experience my younger brother had how plaguing those images are to the mind when he happened to come across a magazine that was thrown in the dumpster at the church. He felt sick and didn't know what to think, but because of great and good instruction from my parents, he did not take even a fraction of a moment to turn his head away. Parents need not to be bashful in protecting their children from those sinful images, but should strongly advise and explain the importance of remaining clear of pornography.

#10. “Stay away from pornography as you would avoid a serious disease. It is as destructive. It can become habitual, and those who indulge in it get so they cannot leave it alone. It is addictive.” (Living Worthy of The Girl That You Will Someday Marry-Gordon B. Hinckley)

The title of this talk is what caught my eye. If you wish to marry a good and righteous person, you must be a good a righteous person. You cannot expect to repent sometime in the future when you find the right mate to then clear up your ways, but you must prepare yourself now. The greatest thing is that God is ever waiting and wishing for anyone to rid of this addictive habit, see and desire the light of Christ, and repent of their ways. The wonderful gifts of agency allow us to choose that and the saving grace of the Atonement allows for us to be saved. Let us not waste a moment to change our ways and strive to continuously live a life of righteousness.