Is this strong temptation against purity new with the invention of the internet?   No!  The Devil would like for you to think temptations and sexual temptations are far worse today, so you can’t help but sin, but read any spiritual book of the past you and you see it addressed over and over.

Let’s look at some suggestions from a book from 1589 called Spiritual Combat.  This was the century of Shakespeare.  Sin has been around a long time and the remedies are the same!!!

Before time of temptation: Avoid all persons and occasions that would expose to sin.  Do not presume on your own strength despite the fact that after many years spent in the world you have remained firm against the force of concupiscence.  For lust often achieves in one instant what whole years could not effect.

Be cautions, run away, you are more susceptible to occasions of this sin than straw is to fire. Do not rely on your own strength or on some resolution you have taken to die rather than offend God. Despite your good intentions (once lust is enkindled) it is a flame that cannot be extinguished.

The (obsessive and compulsive) desire of satisfying your passions will make you deaf to the warning of your friends.  You will lose the fear of God, your reputation and even your life will be disregarded.  Not even the fear of the flames of Hell will be able to master the fury of the sensual fires enkindled in your heart.  Look for safety, then, in flight.  There is no other way to escape.  Too much confidence will end in eternal destruction.

Avoid idleness.  Determine what you have to do, and then fulfill exactly the duties of your position in life.  Plan your work, and work your plan.

These are some practical steps to eliminate internet pornography from your life.

Seven Steps to Freedom:

1. Eliminate the temptation.  There needs to be a period of abstinence before you can make progress.  This may mean unplugging from the internet!  Yes, there was life before the internet!
2. Limit your access to the internet through:
   1. Time Limits
   2. Site Limits
   3. Accountability Partner
   4. Filters
   5. U-N-P-L-U-G it!!!  Really!
3. Go to Confession on a weekly basis to the same confessor.
4. Don’t do it alone:  get help.  Enlist a spiritual director and perhaps professional help.
5. Pray always; Pray unceasingly.
6. Increase your desire to be holy.
7. Be wary of sinning against the virtue of hope through presumption or despair.