Pornography-Elder Dallin H. Oaks

*A Way to Escape

“The good news is that no one needs to follow the evil, downward descent to torment. Everyone caught on that terrible escalator has the key to reverse his course. He can escape. Through repentance he can be clean. … My brethren who are caught in this addiction or troubled by this temptation, there is a way.
“First, acknowledge the evil. Don’t defend it or try to justify yourself. …

“Second, seek the help of the Lord and His servants. Hear and heed President Hinckley’s words:

“‘Plead with the Lord out of the depths of your soul that He will remove from you the addiction which enslaves you. And may you have the courage to seek the loving guidance of your bishop and, if necessary, the counsel of caring professionals’” (“A Tragic Evil among Us,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2004, 62).
“Third, do all that you can to avoid pornography. If you ever find yourself in its presence—which can happen to anyone in the world in which we live—follow the example of Joseph of Egypt. When temptation caught him in her grip, he left temptation and 'got him out' (Gen. 39:12).
“Don’t accommodate any degree of temptation. Prevent sin and avoid having to deal with its inevitable destruction. So, turn it off! Look away! Avoid it at all costs. Direct your thoughts in wholesome paths. Remember your covenants and be faithful in temple attendance” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Pornography,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2005, 90).