Day 12 of Lent 2020

This is a tough subject to talk about. So here goes…

Growing up in a small town in a typical family, sex and anything related to it was a taboo topic. When it was mentioned on TV my dad would change the channel right away. It was never talked about in conversations with my parents. Sex was something sacred, not something to joke around about.

So when my husband and I were dating, we made a commitment to each other that we were going to wait until marriage. He was my first and only boyfriend and I am happy to say that we fulfilled that promise to each other. Of course, we were pressured about it in high school. “Everyone is doing it!” We didn’t let society or our peers determine what we were going to do in our relationship. Our marriage is stronger because of that commitment we made and we are still together.

When we talk to our sons about sex, we tell them that it is a piece of them that they need to give to someone special that they will be spending the rest of their lives with. If they wait, they have no one to compare with and each intimate encounter is something that they will cherish with their spouse because they waited.

Living impure lives is very easy to do in our society today. The Internet makes it very accessible. I can’t tell you how many times my eyes have widened and my jaw dropped when my students tell me what they are watching and what games they are playing online. It’s scary.

So how do we live a wholesome life without looking like a prude?

We have to set boundaries and do not cross them. Don’t put yourself in a compromising situation that is hard to get out of.

Build accountability in your relationships. Put filters on the computer and devices. Talk to your spouse if you’re married. Talk to your significant other if you are dating.

Protect yourself and your family. Many marriages have been destroyed because of either affairs or pornography. It may be satisfying for the moment, but for the long term, it will only bring misery.

Protect your children. Their brains are still growing. Science has shown when a young child sees or watches pornography, a chemical change happens in their brains enough that they are addicted very quickly. Put filters on their devices and even check their devices so you can keep them safe.

Overcoming impurity can be difficult. But when we make a commitment, communicate with those closest to us, and keeping our eyes on Jesus, we can find fulfillment in our lives that helps us to stay on the right path. Others will see your happiness and want that for themselves too.