The Youth Ministry of Christ's Church

First of all... you need to give your life to Jesus Christ if you haven't already. Click here for how to do that.
5 important steps.
- Repentance. God will only help you quit when you really want to. Repentance is when we genuinely turn away from our sin, and leave no loopholes in our mind of how we'll go back to it someday. It doesn't mean that we'll be perfect, but it does mean that we're not half-hearted in our confession and apology to God.
- Reclaiming ground. When we sin, we give Satan ground in our minds that he has the right to stand on. After you repent, then speak out loud something to the effect of, "I resist the devil, and reclaim this area of my mind and my life for the glory and ownership of Jesus Christ."
- Tearing down strongholds. Strongholds are based on lies. Find the lies that you've been believing while doing this sin (one lie might be that you thought it was worth the momentary pleasure to sin against God... another might be the whole idea of pretending that the other person you were lusting after really likes you... another sin could be that you think that woman in the magazine or in your mind will be there for you anytime you want her to be.... and this lie will creep over into reality at some point.). Then, reject that lie, and ask God to tear down that stronghold. This may take time to realize all of the lies that were working against you. The only way to tear down a lie is to replace it with a truth that you believe deep down.
- Building towers of truth. Once you realize what lie you were believing, then replace it with the truth. I'm telling you, this is very very powerful. The truth really will set you free... but only when you really believe it deep down inside. Head knowledge doesn't matter on this one.... heart knowledge is necessary. The way to get a truth from your mind to your heart is to value it in your heart! This is difficult at first, but it works big time! Memorize some verses out of Proverbs chapters 5 and 7 for starters; and then try to value those truths enough to let them sink down into your heart. It may take time, but it works.
- Taking every thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ. Bathe your mind in the scriptures. Memorize Bible passages. Whatever you think about is what you're going to do. Think about godly things. Make it your goal with God's help to someday have every single thought for an entire day to be pleasing to God... totally sinless.
Prayer. I know someone might think that we're supposed to say this because we're a church site and stuff.... but prayer really does work. And don't throw out some 10 second prayer and expect to overcome a big addiction in your life. You need to get serious about prayer to kick this thing.
Scripture memorization. This is actually a very, very powerful tool. Remember what Jesus did in response to Satan when he was tempting Him in the desert... He threw scripture at him. When you're tempted, quote (out loud) some verses that address the situation. A great passage to start memorizing is the first several verses in Proverbs 5. The 'adulteress' can be viewed as not only an actual person, but also a temptation and sinful desire.
Accountability. This is probably the biggest idea on the list for helping you the fastest! You need to confess this struggle of yours to a trusted friend or leader. Make sure you can trust this person to be sensitive and private with this issue. Then, have them ask you frequently how you're doing. Also, you may want to have an agreement with them that every time you stumble in this area, you have to tell them within 24 hours. I promise you, you'll either quit cutting your nails, or you'll quit telling them.... one or the two will happen. So, stay committed to telling them. It might be hard at first, but it will help you win this battle against lust. And another thing... one of Satan's big tricks in this habit of cutting nails is that it's embarrassing to talk about with someone... therefore he knows that he has you trapped... all alone. Break free by telling somebody.
Avoid tempting situations. If you know that a certain time or place or whatever is where you are normally tempted, then avoid it like the plague. For example, some folks struggle a lot when they first get in bed at night. Well, obviously we all must go to bed at some point, but we don't have to go to bed early, and we may not need to close the door... or whatever. Some folks linger in the bathroom when they don't need to. Some guys allow their eyes to wander in the school hallway. I think you get the point. Try your best to avoid situations where you know you're more likely to be tempted.

If you struggle with this, you CAN overcome it if you consistently look to God for guidance and help. Don't try to do this alone. Don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed with guilt. Just keep trying to do the right thing. Get some help from God and a trusted friend or leader, and watch victory come back into your life in this area!