As long as there has been sex (which is a pretty long time), there has been the issue of sexual purity (which is a pretty sensitive topic). Although every teen in every era of history has faced the need for sexual purity, today’s teens are under pressure to toss their principles and their purity with it. “Sexual purity,” sensitive topic or not, is viewed more as an old-fashioned mode of thinking rather than a necessary moral choice—even for Christian teens.
Teen Focus: Sexual Purity
It’s safe to say that fewer parents stress sexual abstinence these days and more parents stress practicing “safe sex”. It would seem that either the parent would encourage their teen to be sexually active and engage in safe sex or that they have settled for the idea that safe sex is not the worst outcome.
Rather than speak out against sexual activity in their teens’ lives, parents are giving their teenage boys condoms to keep in their wallet and making sure that their girls are taking birth control. It seems today that most of our culture doesn’t want to be bothered with teaching their kids to abstain from being sexually active.
It isn’t uncommon for a father to encourage his son to “sow his oats” and sleep with multiple women before he finds one he wants to get married to if marriage is even referred to. Teenage girls dress in provocative clothing and are told by media and their peers that they need to be skinny and attractive in order for people to accept them.
Our culture plays a part in our teens’ views but the parents have just as strong, if not stronger, influence in their children’s views. It is up to the parents, the grandparents, and all of the other people who act as leaders for the coming generation to stand up for sexual purity and make sure to leave no room for mistakes.
Christian parents need to equip their teens by maintaining a strong stand on purity and keeping their teen involved in the church where they can be around like-minded kids their own age. Most of all, pray for them. Ultimately, teen’s desire for God will be their greatest asset in resisting temptation and staying on the right path.
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 NKJV