Hi Ladies,
There’s a common premarital “Why can’t I?” question that’s quite frequently asked by saved ladies who have fallen for a guy. Often we’ll rely upon the technicality of not quite going all the way in intimate activities in an attempt to avoid getting into trouble with God. It is a rationale that’s considered to be a way out. But what actually happens?
SCENARIO
Our single Christian lady has found a nice man. He too is saved and seems to finally be God’s choice for her mate. The attraction between them is almost tangible, and one little kiss has moved on a good deal further. Now, just in the nick of time, she’s applied the brakes.
This is a problematic way to handle a budding relationship, especially if it’s a recurring procedure. A big task facing a woman in this almost-compromised situation is that she may not be able to easily halt the proceedings. And she may appear to be a tease. Even as he stops, his view of her will be altered.
This is a virtuous woman who has nevertheless placed herself in a questionable position, and although she may extricate herself at the last moment, what will happen next time? The situation is certain to arise again if she believes that partially engaging in passionate activities is permissible to God.
Let’s clarify that yes, both parties are involved, and each is equally accountable to the Lord for their own deeds. The culpability of the fellow, however, is not our concern here…our own actions as godly women are the issue. The personal control of our Self under the guidance of Holy Spirit, must be employed to avoid getting into a precarious situation in the first place. Being wrapped up in a man’s embrace, conducting a heavy necking and petting session is not the best time to apply discipline. It’s possible we don’t possess a supernatural ability to resist temptation when it’s already underway. And it’s essential to understand that the Lord does have a problem with this behavior for very good reasons.
CONSEQUENCES
When Jesus Christ became Lord of our life, we were created anew, and as a new creation, old things are supposed to be left behind. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” But simply declaring that we’re saved, without exhibiting a change in behavior or attitudes is merely pasting a label of salvation on top of our old self. And it deserves the designation of being called a ‘carnal’ Christian.
In Jesus’ parable of the seeds (Matthew 13:1-23), the carnal Christian is the seed that takes root in shallow soil. Its’ meager blades soon wither when exposed to adversity because the plant is not grounded in good soil. It can barely survive, let alone bring forth fruit. A carnal Christian is a baby in the faith, who until she desires the deeper things of God, will never grow up spiritually. Her friends won’t notice any real difference in her after the first exciting weeks following conversion; her family is skeptical because they see no evidence of Christ’s presence; and her behavior in general belies her salvation.
“To live holy” means not compromising with the world, or with ourselves, a directive based on 1 Peter 1:15, “But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior.” But, the decision to engage in any form of premarital sex compromises God’s standards as well as our own.
When we consider all the riches that the Godhead offers, spiritually, mentally and physically, settling for lip service Christianity means missing out on so many blessings and opportunities. One of these opportunities is the ability to follow the godly pathway that our sovereign Lord has designated as the steps to marriage.
He gives us the strength and power to do so. As a very special lady, your own steadfast adherence to God’s standards in this area of your life will enhance your worth to the man you care about, and that’s His plan.
Until next week…Joy and Shalom!
Jo Lynne Pool
jo lynne pool - Love in The Book.org 