“Men naturally see shapes” (Jake Porter).
It’s not something we work at; seeing shapes comes naturally for most men. That is why – sadly – many men see a collection of body parts when we should be seeing the total person, created in the image of God.
The research is clear. Of the 40 million adults who visit pornographic websites regularly, 72 percent are male, while 28 percent are women (toptenreviews.com).
A study by Rupp & Wallen (2007) found distinctly different gazing patterns for men and women when taking in sexually stimulating images. (Spoiler alert – men gaze longer.)
So what’s the answer? Let’s start with the oldest book of the Bible. God’s servant vowed, “I made a covenant with my eyes to not look lustfully at a young woman.” (Job 31:1)
Recovery Step: Guys, make a covenant with your eyes.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
