Ever since last night I have felt a tug on my heart to talk about purity and walking with Christ in every aspect of our lives, including dating relationships.
I didn’t get a whole lot of sleep last night because of it. I went to bed later than usual and woke up way earlier than I needed to. I ended up praying about ways to pen the words I want to scream on the rooftops to all young people and all unmarried people. I want to do it with wisdom. And I don’t claim to know everything.
I also don’t claim to be perfect or sinless, but I do know that the bible calls us to purity in the scriptures, and that it is absolutely what we should strive for. I recognize that it is SO hard in our culture to stand firm when it comes to this topic. Movies, music, magazines, peer pressure and the Internet make it almost impossible to walk on a straight path when it comes to keeping ourselves and honoring our bodies as the scriptures beckon us to (1 Corinthians 6:18-20 is a good reference if you don’t know what I’m talking about).
I’ve talked with other Christians about this topic, and I’ve also done some observation. It is not my place to judge, so please don’t think that I am.
I just want to make clear something I truly believe in: although every Christian (and unbelievers as well) has their own boundaries and their own concept of what is “too far,” that doesn’t change what the scriptures say. The bible should be our primary source for knowledge and wisdom when it comes to this topic. Otherwise, we’ll find our selves excusing away our human desires, thinking that it’s okay to follow our inclinations because it’s “normal” or “natural.” And we’ll make mistakes. We’ll end up with regrets and scars. Paul didn’t write about sexual immorality, marriage and honoring God with our bodies just for the early church. He wrote it for us, too.
I’ve also recognized something HUGE when it comes to teaching young people about purity: we can’t just tell them they have to abstain and think it’s enough. We also have to make it clear that IT WILL BE HARD. But it is NOT “unrealistic.” Don’t mistake the word “difficult” for “unrealistic.” I don’t think anyone ever told me how hard it would be. Or if they did, I was too naive to accept it.
Young and/or unmarried people, I want you to know that it will be hard. I don’t just want to give you a sugar-coated speech about purity and stop there. I want you to know that it’s a battle and a fight. If you want to be like Christ, that includes every area of your life. It will be tough. But you CAN do it. Don’t just give up because you think it’s impossible or because the “Christians” around you are doing things that aren’t okay. It’s not impossible, I promise.
There is so much more I want to say about this topic, but I want to pray about it and seek the Lord before going any further. I hope that this is an encouragement to someone struggling today. Allow the Holy Spirit to convict you and don’t make excuses for yourself; you are feeling conviction for a reason. He loves you and wants the best for you. And there is always, always forgiveness because of the Cross. You are not alone and you don’t need to live in shame and darkness. There is hope and strength in Jesus…
Jen
battles Christianity Corinthians Faith forgiveness god Jesus Christ paul purity sexual immorality shame struggles The Cross
Jen,
I absolutely think this post was met for me… I can’t thank you enough for your courage and wisdom on this subject.
Dennis
Hi Dennis,
I am so glad you stopped by! Thank you for reading and I am so excited that this reached your heart today! It’s a tough topic and super tough to write about, but some things just need to be said and we all need encouragement.
Jen
Three cheers for you, Jen!!! Well said, and much needed to be said, especially today, in a society that is so far from God’s Word on the subject. It is not, nor ever has been popular to “stand up” for Righteousness and His Word, but we must do it! How can we not. And, yes, we also are sinners, but sinners who are striving to be obedient to His Will according to His Word. Praise God, we have the Holy Spirit to keep us ever in tow, convicting us of His Word. I have to say, Jen, and have thought this about you in the last week since finding your blog, that I find you amazingly mature in the Lord for your young years. Keep on keeping on with HIm. I can see how He can use you greatly for the kingdom’s sake…and no, it will not be easy. But, we are not alone! 🙂 Have a blessed day! ~ Mercedes
Mercedes,
I cannot stress enough how much of a blessing your comments are to me. I have been told a few times this week that I am wise beyond my years and it is such a huge compliment to me! I am learning so much in this season of my life, and I just want to share what I’m learning with everyone–but not to make me look good. No, I just want to see others succeed and grow in their walks with the Lord (and glorify him)!
This specific topic often frustrates me because I see so many people around me falling because they just don’t have the strength on their own to fight for what they know is the right thing. I want them to know it’s not impossible. With God, all things are possible and he wants to make us more like Christ!! Sometimes I feel really alone in my strong beliefs about this topic, but then I remember that I’m not alone and I need to make sure I can pour into other people’s lives and encourage them to join me by taking the high road.
Thanks again for reading. You are a sweetheart!
Jen
Wonderful post! It is so easy to do what everyone else is doing, but despite being difficult, it is worth it to follow the path of purity. This is a topic very close to my heart and I’m glad you wrote about it. It’s great and also refreshing to read something like this. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for reading!
Jennifer…
It was the heat of the HOLY SPIRIT which kept you up and awakened you early. Praise Him! And how beautiful that you obeyed His flame. Keep obeying. Keep shouting.
For the glory of the Name…
Thanks for putting it out there and telling it like it is Jennifer.