Statistics indicate that spiritual leaders are not immune to sexual temptation—and the internet has compounded the problem. Professor and ministry leader Michael Cusick knows the struggle and also knows the freedom of restoration. He talks with guest hosts Bill Arnold and George Fraser about his book Surfing for God: Discovering the Divine Desire Beneath Sexual Struggle.

Michael shares his own experience growing up. He spent time with his father by going to AA meetings and eventually developed an addiction to pornography. Why is pornography so addictive? Michael points to the way God wired the man – when a man sees a revealing picture of a woman, the instinct is to engage and move toward her. When this happens with pornography, it creates a dependence. The result is an over-stimulation of the brain and sets up an addiction within the chemistry of the brain. Unfortunately, this has become so prevalent in our culture that women and sex are viewed as a commodity to be used rather than cherished.

Michael shares some startling facts about pornography:

The average age of exposure to pornography in America is 11 years old.

One in seven minors has received a sexual solicitation.

Addiction to pornography opens the door to other addictions, including drugs and alcohol.

Where can we go for help and resources? Michael recommends two key websites: protectkids.org and enoughisenough.org. He also says we can equip ourselves and our kids to stay pure and train our minds to seek things that are good and noble. Michael describes it as “rebooting.” It takes an “informed sense” that … you’re battling against your brain” rather than your will. He points to the words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. “The pursuit of purity is not about the suppression of lust but the reorientation of your life to a larger goal.”

Michael breaks it down to 5 steps:

Recognize that this habit is sinful

Reach out – develop genuine, authentic connections with others to fill the emptiness you’ll soon feel

Reboot – disconnect from the pornography; turn off your computer and your brain and unplug from the source of sin

Renew – study and memorize Scripture, and pray for a larger view of God and His presence in your life

Restoration – the final step, when you can re-enter life with a clear conscience and intimacy with God

This program contains sensitive material that may not be suitable for younger listeners.

Highlight – Surfing for God

Surfing for God

Image: Flickr