Article by Julianne Collins // Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Abstinence seems unrealistic nowadays, due to the pervasive sex culture of our society. The struggle is real for singles who are constantly seeing premarital sex being advertised as “the norm” and “empowering.”
How can you avoid something that is present all around us? Here are 5 tips to answer just that.
1. Put God first. And keep Him there! Compare what the world says to what the Word says. Abide by Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV), “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
2. Monitor what you take in. What music are you listening to? What shows are you watching? What books do you read? You have to be wary of what you allow into your mind and your heart. You may be familiar with Proverbs 4:23 (NLT), “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” If what you’re taking in is sexually stimulating, you need to leave it alone. Let the Bible be the greatest influence in your life.
3. Who are you hanging out with? Do your friends share your views on sex? Are they living the abstinent lifestyle as well? If not, you might need to clean out your inner circle. Corinthians 15:33 warns (NIV), “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’" That should say it all.
4. Know when to go. If you have a boyfriend or even a fiancé, know when to go. What I mean by that is no late night visits, or midnight movie marathons. Don’t overestimate your strength to resist temptation. And yes, I know that Corinthians 10:13 says God always provides a way out of temptation, but we are only human. The reality is that we “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 [NIV]), so avoid situations that may tempt you to compromise.
5. Pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Pray every day. Pray when you need strength, and when you feel like you don’t. Matthew 26:41 (NIV) says, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."
God has empowered you to stay pure. If you you apply these tips, you'll find it much easier to walk in that power and live a life pleasing to the Lord.
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