February 2003
It's exciting to hear that more and more young girls are listening to facts about sexually transmitted diseases and deciding for themselves to wait for marriage to have any form of sex. Not only are they finding strength and power in their decision, but also deciding to live healthier lives by not engaging in any sexual activity outside of marriage. Physically, mentally, and emotionally they are healthier! Physically they are healthier because they don’t have any strange bacteria or virus invading their body causing damage to their reproductive system both now and future. Mentally and emotionally they are healthier because they are unencumbered by guilt, depression, loneliness, and rejection. These girls have chosen to respect themselves, to place a high value on their sexuality and their worth—to treasure the wonderful sexual union between a husband and a wife.
Have you ever thought about the motives of those who keep their "Gift" and those who have willfully given their "Gift" away? The virgin’s motives are clear: her sexuality is dedicated to the future, to marital love, to children and to God. Her virginity is a statement of her mature independence from men. It allows her to become a whole person in her own right. She realizes young men will value and respect women who value and respect themselves.
Sexual purity is powerful! Choosing sexual activity outside of the commitment of marriage may mean a brief moment of pleasure but it is generally followed by the negative side effects of paralyzing uncertainty, anger at the man involved, and reduced self-worth. So-called sexual freedom is really just proclaiming that you are available for "free", and therefore you are without value.
At each of our conferences, I am thrilled with the large numbers of you making first time commitments to sexual purity, as well as those of you making recommitments to purity. Jesus will help you stand firm in your resolve and we are here to help you as well.