“How far is too far?” is the question that young people are telling me that their friends are asking each other. These are youth who have been baptized in the Holy Ghost and yet they are allowing the influence of the world to draw them to the precipice of sexual sins.
One reason this is happening, the youth are not being taught through God’s Word how to have an intimate relationship with Him! When we have an intimate relationship with God, we will choose not to sin! We must plant God’s Word in our hearts. We must continually have an inner dialogue of prayer with God-asking Him to direct our steps. Psalm 119: 9 asks this question, “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” Vs 11 – “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (NKJ). When we know the Word of God, His truth will give us the power to resist the devil. James 4:7 (AMP) 7 “So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.”
In my nationwide counseling, youth are telling me that porn use is pervasive among their youth groups. Is anyone teaching the Word of God to our youth? Is anyone teaching the youth that porn destroys the body, soul and spirit? It is a self-induced chemical addiction. The users look at females as objects of sexual gratification.
The young women in the church are being seduced to provide oral sex and being told it is not having sex. This is a lie of deception from the devil. Paul instructed young Timothy to flee all sexual temptation. “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2: 22).
1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (AMP) 18 “Run away from sexual immorality [in any form, whether thought or behavior, whether visual or written]. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the one who is sexually immoral sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God, and that you are not your own [property]? 20 You were bought with a price [you were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His own]. So then, honor and glorify God with your body.”
The question should not be, “How far is too far?” The question must be, “How can I get closer to God?” God created man and woman to come together in marriage with purity of heart, soul and body. God sets boundaries in sexual activity for our protection and provision. When we obey God’s truth, there is no shame. There is joyful freedom.
The sexual sins are not just with the youth, but all ages. Porn addiction is destroying marriages, families and ministries. I feel as though I am the ‘lone voice crying in the wilderness’ and I refuse to stop speaking God’s truth. Satan is delighting in destroying souls within the body of Christ. He wants us to keep pretending that there is no sin among us. God knows the secrets of our hearts.
Paul instructed Timothy to, “Preach the Word!” The most important youth activity must be learning God’s Word. There needs to be accountability leaders and partners setting the standards for sexual purity.
Ephesians 5:1-5 (NKJV) 5 “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.”
It is impossible to imitate God and be satisfying the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye and the pride of life. God’s truth sets free. God’s truth is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. The teaching of God’s Word transforms lives. Romans 12:1-2 (AMP) 12 “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].”
I have been teaching God’s truth for 50 years. In my ministry of teaching, counseling and writing, I will be speaking God’s truth about being holy as He is holy until He returns in the clouds. Jesus is returning for a Bride who is pure in heart, soul, mind and body.
Every person God’s allows my life to touch will hear His truth. They will hear about God’s love, mercy and forgiveness. There is reconciliation to all who choose to be holy as He is holy in all conduct. Let the question be: “How can I get closer to God?”
(c) Carol Clemans – June 2016 – www.carolclemans.org – As a Bible teacher and Certified Pastoral Counselor, I teach SEXUAL PURITY FOR ALL AGES for churches. Read “About Ministry” on www.carolclemans.org. My heartbeat is to share God’s truth for healing and growth spiritually, emotionally and relationally. I provide nationwide confidential counseling by phone/Skype (636) 448-0121. Read 300+ articles on site, teaching CD’s & DVD’s, book: God’s Design for Marriage.