Once again, MTV's Video Music Awards show was absolutely
no stranger to controversial statements and all out attacks on
Christian values and standards.
Wow. Shocker.
And who'd ever imagine that a former sex addict comedian from
Britain would take shots at the Jonas Brothers because they wear purity rings?
In case you missed it, host Russell Brand thought that slamming
Christians who have decided to remain sexually pure until they
have made a lifelong commitment to their husband or wife would be...funny?
What about you? Are you a 'go with the crowd' person who just
can't understand why anyone would abstain from sex until marriage?
If so, you are definitely in the majority my friend. Right there with all
the folks who now have pain, regrets, scars, unwanted pregnancies,
and diseases they will keep for life.
What is fascinating to me is that people forget that it was God who
invented sex in the first place, and Jesus Himself set the standard
when He referred to marriage:
"Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made
them male and female,'and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his
father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one
flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined
together, let man not separate." (Matthew 19:4-6)
Jesus is describing the marriage formula that God had in mind in the
Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. The phrase 'one flesh' is a reference
to sex, and clearly Jesus indicates that marriage is the prerequisite for this amazing act.
So, since God invented sex, and designed it for a 'marriage only' context,
maybe that is why there are negative consequences for rebelling against His design?
And...that is also why those who are 'stupid' enough to wait for marriage will
have all the positive rewards for remaining pure.
Like? Well, think about it for a minute. Do you want to be able to look your
future spouse in the eyes and tell them you saved yourself for him or her?
Or would you rather have to have 'the talk' about all the people you hooked
up with because, of course, that's just what happens when two people are 'in love'.
And...would you rather not have to worry about an STD every waking
moment of the day, or never have to give that a second thought?
And probably the biggest reason is that - contrary to popular belief - God
wants you to enjoy sex. So when you cheapen it and share the deepest,
most intimate physical act in the universe outside of a permanent and
committed relationship, you completely trash the whole idea of sex.
That's why the Bible gives this clear warning:
Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does.
For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body. Don't you realize that
your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to
you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high
price. So you must honor God with your body. (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
If you are a virgin and have pledged to save your virginity, congratulations
on an amazingly wise choice. Sure, you'll be made fun of, slammed and
insulted, but believe me...it is worth it. Before you know it, you won't even
be around these people anymore.
And...before you know it, you'll be walking down an aisle in a church
preparing to make the biggest commitment you'll ever make with another
human being. What do you want going through your mind at that point?
Memories of your victories over sexual temptation and immorality? Or
memories of...what was his/her name that I wasted my virginity on?
If you have had sex outside of marriage, remember that it is never too late
to commit to purity and let God restore your virginity through His amazing
forgiveness and love.
So, Russell Brand...maybe take your ridiculous 'jokes' somewhere where
people find stupidity funny.
And Jonas Brothers - and Jordin Sparks - Major Major props to you. Get
ready to hear 'well done' from Jesus Christ when you get to the other side.
Head: What you need to know about this truth
God invented sex, and designed it to be both satisfying and intimate inside
a marriage relationship. That's why there are so many consequences when
His design is broken.
Heart: What you need to feel about this truth
Picture a future conversation with your fiancée about your sexual history.
Believe me, the choices you make now about sex and relationships will
never leave you. Decide today not to have a 'history', and that conversation
will be one of the best you've ever had.
Hands: What you need to do about this truth
Commit to purity, and buy (or ask your parents for) a purity ring. They are a
great visual way to remind you of what's in your heart.