Preparing your children to combat sexual sin should begin very early. It is never too soon to say that marriage is a wonderful blessing from God. When any discussions of sexuality arise, you should point out what is appropriate for marriage and what is not. As your children grow older, your explanations will need to be more specific, until finally you arrive at the franker discussions needed to address the onset of puberty. But in the context of ongoing conversations, you have the privilege of positioning sexual behavior positively, within marriage. This sets the stage for you to have natural opportunities to demonstrate that when people choose to disobey God’s directives for sexuality, bad things happen.
Parents, you must not shy away from this point. Spiritual warfare is raging around you and your children. Sexual purity is depicted in our culture as a joyless life of self-denial and struggle. But that is not what God teaches about sexual purity. Sexual purity in marriage is a cause for celebration. It is too easy to think that sexual purity means dull sexual activity. At least, that is what the enemy of your soul wants you and your children to think. In contrast, Hebrews 13:4 says the marriage bed must be kept pure and undefiled. Sex that is pure is sex that brings honor to God and joy to his people.
A brief history is helpful here. The 1960s are described as the era of sexual revolution. Once again man decided it was stupid to follow God’s plan for sexuality. Free love and free sex were the battle cry of that time. People began to believe the lies that sex was the rite of passage to personal liberation.
Well, what has happened since that time? Married households are no longer the norm, either statistically or ideologically in Western culture. Sexually transmitted diseases are rampant. Pornography is destroying men and their families at an alarming rate. Lust knows no boundaries and enslaves people from all walks of life. Treatment for depression is now a multi-billion dollar industry. Divorce is common. Homosexuality is mainstream. Traditional marriage is no longer essential for raising children. It would be naïve to think that the pursuit of godless sex outside of marriage is unrelated to all of the above. Rather, these behaviors happen when sexual purity in marriage is exchanged for the lies of the world.
Sexual purity is for all who entrust themselves to God. There is forgiveness for sexual sin. As in every other area of life, sexual purity can be restored by new life in Christ.
God knows more about sexual pleasure than anyone else–he designed it for his glory. It is the lie of the enemy to think that the pursuit of purity will not lead to pleasure. Our God is not to be mocked. Disregarding his commands regarding sexual purity and marriage leads only to emptiness, despair and personal destruction. Romans 1:18-32 is clear on this point. But God has great things in store for those who will trust him. You must passionately believe this about sexuality and marriage to encourage your children to trust God and celebrate sexual purity.
3 thoughts on “Sexual purity – something to celebrate”
I am sending this article on to both of my children. My goal is to discuss the article so they both can see what is happening all around them and why I have taught them the Biblical way to establish relationships. Thanks Jay, for helping me become a better Dad for my children.
“. . . when people choose to disobey God’s directives for sexuality, bad things happen.” From what I’ve seen, sexual immorality is rewarded today. Want that promotion? Have sex with your boss. Want to be a deacon? Have an adulterous affair. Want financial help? Have a child out of wedlock. Remember that those of us who are on the front lines of this war, especially Christian singles, are waiting on a heavenly reward. Not a reward on this earth.
I wished I had listened to God when I was younger instead of rebelling against him. I am just fortunate that God spared me of sexual transmitted diseases and that including Aides! It is so sad to see everyone around me getting these diseases because they choose to do it their own way!