In Touch

Dear Young Disciples,

The words looking back at me told of love sought and won, and even though I knew it wasn’t pure, the story drew me in. Soon hours had passed. I felt defiled, but I didn’t stop: Other stories I found on the web soon allured me.

Fiction’s hold on me deepened as I began reading full-length novels. The more I read, the more unclean I felt, but the escape from reality enticed me more than my desire to do right. I didn’t try to stop.

One year later, my imaginary world collided with reality. I began teaching a junior class, starting with lessons on Steps to Christ. That’s when I discovered that I didn’t have a personal knowledge of God—the very thing I was trying to teach. Desperately, I began studying my Bible. As I learned of Christ, I found that true satisfaction comes only through Him. I determined that fiction would no longer control me.

Stopping wasn’t easy. Each day I tried and failed. I took steps to make the websites harder to access, but still I found myself there often. As I grew discouraged with my efforts, God began to teach me that victory is possible only through His strength. As I believed and claimed His power, temptation’s hold lessened.

Although it took years, fiction’s addiction no longer controls me. His power keeps me. I still must guard my heart and choose to obey, for I’m still sometimes tempted—but as long as I am connected to Him, I am sheltered under His wings. He is faithful. He keeps me true.

Seeking Him alone,