James 1:21-22 (Amplified Bible)
21) So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.
22) But be doers of the Word [obey the message], and not merely listeners to it, betraying yourselves [into deception by reasoning contrary to the Truth].
I have had occasion over the years to ministry to youth and adults alike. One of the foremost issues that people struggle with is peer pressure, and one of the foremost issues within the area of peer pressure is sex outside of the confines of marriage. The attitude of sex outside of marriage has become it is okay as long I ask God to forgive me and He is faithful to forgive. Sex has become something that in many cases has no sacred value but is something to do "because I can" and not an act of surrender commitment and a reaffirmation of the covenant that exist between two people that have taken an oath before God to love Him and to love their spouse in a way that is pleasing and outlined by Him.
So often we concentrate on the act of sex and forget about the results that exist as a result. I have told my children that sex is like a drug, no matter how, good or bad it is you will always want it again. Also that each time you do engage in this very sacred act you give apart of yourself away. How many pieces have you given away, to how many different people, are you spread all over the country or all over the world? It seems that more often than not, it is easy for people to talk themselves into a place of believing that sex is a need that has to be met and God understands and will faithful forgive us no matter how many times we faultier in this area. But one consideration is usually overlooked, which is the fact that our body is not our own, it is the house and the temple of the Holy Spirit. Our Body is God's possession and creation until we have covenant with a spouse. The enemy has convinced us to believe a lie and to compromise ourselves for a moment of gratification. The more we allow our heart to be hardened in this area the easier it becomes to except the lie and live the lie once again.
The next time you are presented with a opportunity to compromise in your body remember who that body belongs to. Be truthful with your self about who you are lying with and who you have been lying to. Be true to God and who He is and who He has called you out of darkness to be. Realize you are not your own and it is God who is the Author, Creator and Owner of the "Temple."
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