(Note: this is the condensed (transcript) version of a fireside given by some of our Sons of Helaman and Men of Moroni graduates.)
Dallin: My friends, a few of us Warriors were having a discussion on protecting against pornography and harnessing the power of Christ.
As we delve into this topic, we assume that you are here for one of four reasons:
1. You may be personally struggling with pornography.
2. Someone you love is struggling with pornography, and you desperately want to help them.
3. While no one in your family is currently struggling with pornography, you wish to protect them from any future danger.
4. You thought this was a Cinco de Mayo party and are just now realizing there are no chips and salsa.
Regardless of your reason for being here, we believe that your time will be well spent.
Inspired by a recent General Conference address by Elder W. Mark Bassett, we will take a novel approach to the biblical account of Christ raising Lazarus from the dead.
Lazarus had been dead for four days, and according to their culture, all hope had been lost. Like Mary and Martha in that situation, many of us have experienced the crushing, debilitating, and immobilizing loss of hope. This pain motivates us to share what we have learned on this journey towards healing and the Savior’s grace.
Our focus will be on our own role in divine intervention.
Elder Bassett draws attention to the fact that Christ does not remove the gravestone, bring Lazarus out of the grave, or remove his grave clothes. Instead, Christ invites His disciples to remove the gravestone, commands Lazarus to stand, and encourages his friends to minister to Lazarus and remove his grave clothes.
Elder Bassett’s message is clear: The Savior expects us to do all we can do, and Christ will do what only He can do.
We will share principles that are both spiritual and psychological, with the hope that you will begin to understand what actions you can take.
Many people have advised those struggling with pornography to simply yield and give it all to Christ for healing and forgiveness.
However, the concept of yielding can be challenging and paradoxical. Tonight, we will demystify how to access the power of Christ and take daily actions to draw closer to the Savior and find healing from pornography.
Using a tool found in the Gospel Library app, we will guide you through a process of reflection, discovery, planning, and action. This tool, inspired by President Nelson, is called “A Pattern for Growth” and can be found in the Children’s Guidebook. We believe that this tool will help dispel the mystery surrounding what actions to take when all seems lost.
Before we begin this “boot camp” training, we want to provide context about the war we are fighting and our common Adversary. We will start by reflecting on the history of this battle, which will be covered by Cameron. Later, we will discover tools that can be used in your personal life, whether you are struggling with pornography, exercise habits, or any other challenges. We will then help you make a plan and encourage you to take action.
With this foundation laid, we now turn the time over to Cameron to begin reflecting on the history of this battle.
Cameron: Confronting the Uncomfortable: Overcoming the Struggles with Pornography
Many people find it difficult to openly discuss the topic of pornography. The word often elicits giggles, discomfort, or shame, and it’s not hard to understand why. Pornography has managed to invade the lives of countless individuals, and no one seems to be exempt from the clutches of this sinister tool that Satan has masterfully crafted to prey upon us.
If you think you’re alone in your struggles with pornography, you might be surprised to learn that the odds are not in your favor. A significant percentage of people have encountered pornography in some form and have been adversely affected by it.
In this chapter, we’ll explore the personal journey of an individual who once found himself ensnared by pornography, making choices that led to his excommunication and nearly losing his family in the process.
Through therapy, support groups, and the power of the Atonement, he was able to break free and rebuild his life. The message here is clear: it’s never too late to escape the grasp of pornography, and there is always hope.
To effectively combat this pervasive issue, it’s crucial to understand the enemy and know ourselves.
As Sun Tzu wrote in The Art of War, “Know thy enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles, you will never be defeated…If you know not your enemy or yourself, you are sure to lose every battle.” Recognizing the lies that Satan uses to diminish our self-worth and deter us from seeking help is an essential step in the fight against pornography.
Four primary weapons are used by Satan in this battle: shame, fear, pride, and judgment. By identifying and addressing these factors, we can begin to overcome the challenges posed by pornography.
We must also acknowledge and understand the role of Satan in our struggles. He is a master manipulator with thousands of years of experience in deceit, lies, and destruction. While it’s important not to use Satan as an excuse for our actions, we must not discount his influence in our lives.
In our fight against pornography, it’s vital to remember that just as the Lord prepares a way for us through His servants, Satan is also constantly working to lead us astray. By understanding the tactics and strategies employed by our Adversary, we can better equip ourselves to resist his temptations.
The Lord’s promise is clear: through faith, hope, and the Atonement, we can overcome our struggles with pornography. By bringing our experiences into the light and openly discussing our challenges, we can combat the shame and secrecy that often accompany this issue. It’s time to recognize and confront the enemy head-on, armed with hope, faith, and the knowledge that we are not alone in our struggles.
In conclusion, there is always hope in the battle against pornography.
By understanding our enemy, acknowledging our challenges, bringing our enemy and his tactics into the light, and embracing the power of faith and the Atonement, we can overcome this pervasive issue. Let us not be ashamed to share our experiences, to grow from them, and to support others on their journey toward healing and recovery.
Together, we can break free from the chains of pornography and live in the light of hope and love.
Seth: The Power of Hope and Reconnecting with the Divine
I would like to walk you through the transformative power of hope and the importance of maintaining a connection with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We will explore Cameron’s insights on hope, the role of the Holy Ghost, and the concept of the Chemical Scale, which helps us understand how our spiritual well-being is affected by various factors.
Cameron shared his thoughts on hope, emphasizing that it is the understanding and belief that God loves us. However, many people often struggle with this belief due to lies that create doubts in their minds from the subtle whispering of Satan. As a result, they may feel disconnected from their Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, leaving them vulnerable to spiritual attacks.
An essential aspect of maintaining our connection with the Divine is learning to recognize and feel the Holy Ghost. When we are unable to discern the presence of the Holy Ghost, we may lose touch with our Heavenly Father and struggle to understand His will for us.
To illustrate the concept of spiritual well-being, we will examine the Chemical Scale. This scale represents our level of connection with the Divine, with Level Zero signifying a strong connection to the spirit and a state of spiritual equilibrium. Many people describe this state as being “in the flow” or completely present in the moment.
However, challenges and stressors can disrupt our spiritual balance, causing us to move along the Chemical Scale. An analogy to understand this is the tightening of a bolt. As our stress levels increase and lies take hold in our minds, the bolt tightens, causing us to move further from Level Zero and lose our connection with the Spirit.
To maintain spiritual equilibrium, we must continually work to loosen the bolt and reconnect with Christ. Often, we may stop the tightening of the bolt temporarily, but fail to completely loosen it and return to Level Zero. This failure to reconnect fully with Christ can cause repeated spiritual challenges and make us more susceptible to the lies from the Adversary that create doubt and distance us from the Divine.
A crucial question to ask ourselves is when we last experienced Level Zero – a complete connection with the Spirit. If it has been weeks or months since we felt that connection, we must identify what is preventing us from returning to that state. Furthermore, we should assess how long we can maintain Level Zero and strive to strengthen that connection through regular spiritual experiences.
In conclusion, hope and a strong connection with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are vital for our spiritual well-being. By understanding the Chemical Scale and working to maintain a connection with the Divine, we can better win the psychological battle that the Adversary presents and draw upon the strength that comes from being in tune with the Spirit.
Ryan : Parenting and Preserving Relationships During Difficult Times
A Father’s Perspective
As a father, I am here tonight to speak to parents from the perspective of a father, discussing some concepts that will help in parenting and preserving relationships during difficult times. I want to start with the scriptures in D&C 10, one of my favorite sections. This section was revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1829, during a time when he was translating the Book of Mormon, and it discusses the work of the Adversary, Satan.
In our church meetings, we usually focus on Christ, but sometimes it is important to address the topic of Satan so that we can understand how to come off as conquerors and escape his influence. The revelation to Joseph Smith teaches that Satan seeks to destroy us by putting things into our hearts, developing cunning plans, and stirring the hearts of the children of men.
The Discovery of Satan’s Influence
The discovery that my son was looking at pornography in our home was horrifying and upsetting for both my wife and me. We had tried to maintain a spiritual environment in our home and keep it safe from such influences. I was angry with my son for his actions and saw him as flawed. This led to a lot of contention in our family and uncertainty about our future.
One day, I discovered a principle that helped me understand the situation better: the principle of Enmity. Satan is not the only one who has been around for thousands of years; our Heavenly Father has also been present and has placed Enmity between Satan and us. This Enmity is meant to protect us from Satan’s influence.
Understanding Enmity
When I began to understand Enmity, I started to see how Satan was using it to reign over me. I visualized Enmity as a spinner that, when pointed towards Satan, aligned us with humility and God’s will. However, when the spinner pointed towards anyone else, such as our children or parents, we were in a condition of pride and following our own will.
This realization helped me change the way I approached my family’s struggles. Instead of directing my anger and disappointment towards my son, I focused on making Satan the enemy and aligning myself with Christ. This simple change in perspective transformed our family and allowed us to maintain loving relationships while battling the Adversary together.
The Miracle of God’s Wisdom
D&C 10 teaches us that Christ’s wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil. The Savior has made plans for each of us, and we need only to seek His guidance and yoke ourselves with Him to accomplish these plans. By applying the principles we’ve learned, the Savior can heal our families and help us maintain strong relationships during difficult times.
I bear witness to the healing power of the Savior in my own family and know that He can do the same for yours. As we align ourselves with Christ and wage war against our true enemy, Satan, we will be able to parent our children and preserve our relationships even during the most challenging times. I share this message with you in the name of Jesus Christ.
Kenny: TRUTH – A Powerful Tool for Spiritual Warfare
TRUTH, an acronym for Tear down the lie, Restore the truth, Unite with God, and This is my body and it is my weapon, offers one of the most potent tools in combating spiritual adversaries. Our journey through life is a constant battle between the shoulder angel and the shoulder devil, with the Spirit of God guiding us and the Adversary trying to throw us off course. I want to share with you how the power of TRUTH and the energy that can be harnessed to face our spiritual enemies.
The Energy Within
The energy within us is ignited by various emotions, including fear and anger. When we feel anger, it’s often a warning that something more sinister is happening beneath the surface – Satan is lying to us. Recognizing this allows us to use TRUTH as a weapon against him. The fight against the Adversary is a battle fought on spiritual, mental, and physical planes, and warrior chemistry is a tool that can be used to combat all three simultaneously.
Divine Warrior Chemistry
Divine warrior chemistry involves the mixing of the right chemicals in our brain to create a powerful force against the Adversary. This force is divided into two parts – hard and soft, push and pull – that work together in harmony. The hard side of warrior chemistry propels us forward, while the soft side draws the Spirit of God towards us.
Harnessing the Power of TRUTH
To harness the power of TRUTH, we first need to recognize the lies of Satan. Once we do, we can tear down those lies and restore the truth. By uniting with God through prayer or hymns, we can banish the Adversary and create a powerful force against him. Service to others also strengthens this force.
In times of spiritual struggle, we can turn to the scriptures, prayer, and journaling to connect with God and find strength. Though journaling might not be enjoyable for everyone, writing Letters to God can be a powerful way to communicate and receive guidance.
Overcoming the Adversary
Life’s spiritual battles may seem insurmountable at times, but with the power of TRUTH and God on our side, we can overcome the Adversary. Through daily practice and the use of TRUTH as a weapon, we can achieve victory in this life and emerge triumphant.
Ben: Embracing MANPWR: Drawing Near to the Savior
The Lord once said, “Draw near unto me, and I will draw near unto you.” This chapter aims to explore a tool called “MANPWR” that helps us draw nearer to the Savior. MANPWR is an acronym that represents a daily routine one can adopt to cultivate a closer relationship with the Savior.
**M: Minister**
Ministering is an integral part of our church, but it goes beyond that. We can minister to family members, neighbors, and friends. By reaching out to someone every day, letting them know we care, and asking how they are doing, we form stronger connections.
**A: Accountability**
Accountability is essential when setting goals. Sharing your goals with friends or loved ones increases the chances of success. By “killing the secret,” you’re more likely to receive support and encouragement to achieve your goals.
**N: Noble Goal**
Having a noble goal means taking practical steps to achieve your objective. For example, if you want to stop eating donuts, you can avoid driving past donut shops. By having a clear goal and a plan to achieve it, you’re more likely to succeed.
**P: Prayer**
Prayer is a vital part of connecting with the Savior. Instead of praying only once or twice a day, set a goal to pray multiple times, with at least two prayers lasting for a significant duration. This dedicated time can help strengthen your communication with the Lord.
**W: Write**
Writing, whether it’s journaling or making notes, can help us process our thoughts and experiences. Consider writing down why you’re fighting to be right with the Lord or prophesying potential stumbling blocks. Recording these thoughts can help you stay focused and prepared.
**R: Read/Listen**
Reading or listening to the scriptures, conference talks, or other uplifting materials can bring us closer to the Savior. Even if reading isn’t your favorite activity, listening can be an equally effective way to absorb spiritual content.
By practicing these six steps daily, you can draw nearer to the Savior and develop a deeper, more personal relationship with Him. This routine can lead to increased charity, love, and Christ-like attributes, regardless of whether you struggle with addiction or other challenges. Embracing the Savior’s love and guidance will empower you to face whatever trials life brings, and remember to act on any promptings or insights you receive during this journey.
Dallin: Conquering Demons and Finding Healing
It’s not uncommon for individuals to hope for a quick solution to the challenges they face in life, such as overcoming addiction or personal demons. However, the reality is that the path to healing and self-improvement is often more complex and requires time, effort, and commitment.
We will discuss the importance of recognizing that true progress is a gradual process, and how we can work towards healing ourselves and helping others through faith, perseverance, and reliance on the Holy Ghost.
**1. Recognizing the reality of the struggle**
It’s essential to understand that overcoming personal challenges is not a one-time event or something that can be achieved overnight. Like Lazarus, who was raised from the dead by Jesus Christ, we may find ourselves in dark and lonely places. But with faith and determination, we can work towards moving the gravestone and finding our way out of the darkness.
**2. Utilizing the available tools and support**
MANPWR, a tool discussed earlier, might not resonate with everyone, but it serves as an example of how individuals can customize their approach to overcoming challenges. By seeking guidance from the Holy Ghost and relying on the support of family, friends, and mentors, we can find personalized strategies that resonate with our unique circumstances.
**3. Embracing progress and setbacks**
As we move forward on our path to healing, we may experience both progress and setbacks. It’s essential to recognize that setbacks are a part of the journey, and we can learn from them as we continue to grow and develop. By helping others along their journey and seeking support from those around us, we can find the strength to move forward even in difficult moments.
**4. Seeking guidance from the Holy Ghost**
In order to make meaningful progress in our lives, it’s crucial to seek guidance from the Holy Ghost. Through prayer and contemplation, we can discover the specific steps we need to take each day to continue moving forward and overcoming our challenges.
**5. Remembering our identity and potential**
Amidst the struggles of life, it’s vital to remember who we are and what we can achieve. By focusing on our potential and seeking further knowledge and growth, we can find healing and strength through the Savior.
In conclusion, overcoming personal demons and finding healing is a gradual and often complex process.
By recognizing this reality, utilizing the available tools and support, embracing progress and setbacks, seeking guidance from the Holy Ghost, and remembering our identity and potential, we can ultimately find healing and strength through Jesus Christ.
Learn these and other principles in the free ebook, Like Dragons Did They Fight. Download your copy today!
