Think of someone you know who grew up in a Christian home then once they turned 18 headed deep into the world. I personally have known several people, both guys and girls, who have done just that – they grew up hearing the same Biblical principles, memorizing the same Bible verses, and often had godly parents who were actively involved in the church. Why, then, at the first chance do they choose everything opposite of what they have been taught?
I understand that there’s a high chances many of these individuals were in fact not a true child of God. They personally rejected the God of their parents. But what about those who professed Christ and perhaps still step foot in church but live like the world? And it seems like the first thing to go with these young people is their physical purity! Years of being told “no dating or flirting with the opposite sex” has somehow lead to this overwhelming desire to indulge in it – and sometimes even greater than those who grew up without any Christian values!
So, what makes the difference? How can you, a Christian teenager, keep yourself pure – both emotionally & physically – until your wedding day?
When contemplating that question, I came up with several possible answers. But I believe that there really is only one thing that will make the difference in your life, for it made the difference in mine – a personal commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ to keep your heart and mind pure. I made this commitment to the Lord at age 16 and for the rest of my single days, He helped me remain physically and emotional pure. He gave peace and contentment in being single until He brought me a husband (and it was so much easier not having to stress about who I was going to marry).
The world is constantly screaming at you that true happiness is when you have a significant other…someone who “loves” you. These teen years are so hard, aren’t they? We all know that the world’s philosophy is wrong and that the Bible, our parents and church teach what is right, yet there’s this desire for acceptance from a guy! Do you think God doesn’t know this about you or that He didn’t created that desire in your heart? Of course not; He created that desire and wants to give a wonderful gift in the form of a man to you one day…in the future. So don’t go peeking around the house looking for the unwrapped Christmas present – wait until the appointed time to open it! Don’t rob God of the joy of giving His perfect match to you! Wait patiently for it.
Perhaps you have not been physically or emotionally pure up until now. Maybe you’ve even allowed yourself to develop emotions and desires toward someone in your heart and it’s consumed your life (aka: a crush). The Lord still requires you to commit your wants, desires, and appetites to Him. It is not too late! The Lord promises to help you whenever you put your trust in Him. “And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them…because they trust in him.” (Psalms 37:40)
Also, don’t be deceived by your own heart in thinking that you will remain pure in your own strength. It takes the grace of God to keep a young person pure and patient until His appointed time. That grace can be extended to all those who do their part – keep a surrendered and committed life to God’s perfect will. If you choose to do that you will undoubtedly find rest and success despite your feelings and peer-pressure.
Psalms 9:10 “And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.”
