Avoiding and Resisting Darkness

Just as some influences will fill your soul with light, others bring darkness. This darkness most often comes gradually, almost imperceptibly, if you are not vigilant.

Pornography can be devastating. Indulgence in it will deprive you of the companionship of the Holy Ghost. It will darken your mind. It will weaken and can eventually destroy marriage and family life. Those who indulge in it soon feel alienated, unworthy, and unacceptable to God, to themselves, and to others. They become self-centered and less able to enjoy healthy and righteous interactions with others. They waste valuable time and money, jeopardize their standing in the Church, and diminish their ability to serve others.

Some materials that are not explicitly pornographic can still fill your life with darkness and deprive you of spiritual strength. Television programs, pictures, movies, songs, and books often treat unchastity and infidelity as common, appealing, and humorous. Avoid anything that drives the Holy Ghost from your life.

Wholesome activities will help you and your family draw closer to each other and to the Lord. Limit the time you spend watching TV, playing video games, and using computers for entertainment. Set standards for your participation in these activities, such as restricting Internet use to specific purposes.

As you determine what to include in your life, ask questions such as:

Does it invite the Holy Ghost?
Does it make me feel edified or uplifted?
Is it aligned with gospel standards? (Compare it with the thirteenth article of faith.)
How are chastity, fidelity, and families valued?

Those who promote pornography are aggressive in their search for new users, especially on the Internet. They frequently employ deceptive practices. You may sometimes encounter pornographic materials unintentionally. If that happens to you, get away from it immediately. Resist this darkness. Do not let it become a part of your life. Do not dwell on it. You can choose to control your thoughts and redirect them.