In order to get to the deep end of the pool, you first go through the shallow end. In recovery, the shallow end is lust and fantasy; the deep end is porn and masturbation. The key to staying out of the deep end is to stay out of the pool altogether.
James identified this progression from the shallow end to the deep end of the pool (James 1:14-15).
- Desire
- Temptation
- Sin
- Death
It starts with desire. Reign in your desires and you will reign in your behaviors. Do the things to nurture healthy desires and to limit nefarious desires. Do this, and overcoming unwanted sexual behaviors will become a whole lot easier. Inappropriate desires are the first steps into the pool. Stay off the steps and you’ll stay out of the pool.
Recovery Step: Desire the things of God – intentionally, consistently, and wholeheartedly.
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.
