June 13

How Can I Resist Pornography?

Doctrine and Covenants 63

Counsel Together

Led by a member of the quorum or class presidency; approximately 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme or the Young Women Theme. Then lead a discussion about items such as the following, and plan ways to act on what you discuss (you can decide in a presidency meeting which items to discuss):

• Our quorum or class. What activities have we had recently? Were they successful? What went well, and how can we improve them?

• Our duties or responsibilities. Who needs our service? How can we help them?

• Our lives. What goals are we working on individually? What experiences can we share? What blessings have we received?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind quorum or class members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; approximately 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

Quorum or class members may have studied Doctrine and Covenants 63 this week and read about the Lord’s warning to the early Saints about the dangers of lust—a warning He has given repeatedly (see Doctrine and Covenants 63:13–16; Matthew 5:27–28; 3 Nephi 12:27–30). While these warnings have applied to people in all ages of time, they apply more urgently in our day, when pornography is a widespread plague. What dangers and pressures related to pornography might the members of your quorum or class face? What gospel principles and preventive measures can help them keep their thoughts and actions pure?

As you prepare to teach, consider reviewing “Entertainment and Media” and “Sexual Purity” in For the Strength of Youth ([2011], 11–13, 35–37) and Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts (booklet, 2006).

Quorum and class members can strengthen each other in resisting pornography.

Learn Together

To begin a discussion about pornography, you might invite quorum or class members to read Doctrine and Covenants 63:13–16 and discuss insights from these verses that help them understand why pornography is so harmful. To help your quorum or class members understand how to resist pornography, use one or more of the following activities. At the conclusion of your discussion, you may feel prompted to discuss how the bishop can help those involved with pornography (see For the Strength of Youth, 12, 37).

• Members of your quorum or class may have questions about resisting pornography. To help them find answers, you might write the following questions on the board: What is pornography? Why is it harmful? How can we turn away from the temptation of pornography? To help quorum or class members find answers to the first two questions, ask them to review “Pornography” in True to the Faith (pages 117–18) and “Entertainment and Media” and “Sexual Purity” in For the Strength of Youth (pages 11–13, 35–37). To help them find answers to the third question, ask them to review Genesis 39:1–12; Romans 12:21; 2 Timothy 2:22; Alma 39:3–9; Moroni 10:30; Doctrine and Covenants 27:15–18; 121:45–46. Invite them to share the answers they find.

• To help your quorum or class discover ways to resist pornography, you might have them review Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s message “Place No More for the Enemy of My Soul” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 44–46) and Sister Linda S. Reeves’s message “Protection from Pornography—a Christ-Focused Home” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 15–17). They could imagine that they are having a talk with their future son or daughter about why pornography is so destructive and how to avoid it. What information would they share from the conference message they reviewed? Invite them to form pairs and share the answers they found. Also ask them to write down what they will do to avoid pornography.

• Invite those you teach to read 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Alma 13:28. Ask them how they think these scriptures relate to our challenges with resisting pornography today. You could also ask them to imagine that they have a friend who has struggled with pornography and wants to repent. What do they find that would help their friend in the scriptures under “Supporting Resources” and on pages 1–4 of the booklet Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts? What might help their friend understand that the bishop can help him or her? (see For the Strength of Youth, 12, 37).

Act in Faith

Encourage quorum or class members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. How does today’s lesson relate to personal goals they have made? If they would like, quorum or class members could share their ideas.

Supporting Resources

• Isaiah 1:18; Mosiah 4:2; Doctrine and Covenants 58:42–43 (We can be forgiven if we repent)

• 1 Nephi 17:3; Mosiah 24:14–15; Alma 26:12 (God will strengthen us in our efforts to keep the commandments)

• The “Individuals” section of AddressingPornography.ChurchofJesusChrist.org

• “Watch Your Step,” “To Look Upon,” “Chastity: What Are the Limits?” “Pornography Addiction: Is There Hope?” “Redeeming the Dead Redeemed Me” (videos), ChurchofJesusChrist.org

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

As you teach as the Savior taught, quorum or class members will give place in their hearts for the seed of the gospel to be planted, to swell, and to grow. What can you do to help them use the scriptures to understand the power and beauty of living a virtuous life?