Passion for Purity

As I was driving to work today -- yes, Pastors work -- I was listening to a radio spot about an abstinence program at one of the local churches. The speaker made a statement that resonated with me: "It isn't about the sex," he said. I think that those on both sides of the abstinence argument miss that very important point. Those who preach and teach abstinence take the stand, "Just say no!" And while it is very important to teach our children and our youth the importance of that word, it isn't enough. We see it as we raise our children. Parents tell them not to do something -- they just say no -- and for the next several hours, the very thing that parents prohibit becomes the focus of their child's thoughts. For instance, telling a child (yes, Jennifer, I owe you $5) not to touch the fan simply causes them to be more intrigued with the oscillations and the wind. And no matter how many times you say it, and possibly because we keep repeating it, their mind focuses on the object of our negativity. While Nancy Reagan's "Just say no" campaign called America's attention to the drug problem, it did little to solve it. Why? Because human beings need more than a law, a rule, a regulation, a prohibition. The apostle Paul said it to the church in Galatia: the law points out our sin and constantly reminds us how sinful we are. We don't need more law. We need a passion for purity and a passion for holiness. We need to fall in love with our Heavenly Father like never before. That's why Jesus said that the greatest commandment is to love God with all our being. Only then will we understand the truth that it isn't about the sex. It is about filling an emptiness in our lives that only He can fill. How many times have I counseled men and women in the grips of pornography addiction or facing marital problems because of the allure of someone else that it isn't about the sex. Why do men and women remain faithful to their spouses for life? Because it isn't about the sex. It's about the passion, the love, the commitment we make to each other before a Holy God. Don't settle for just saying no. Say yes to loving God. Say yes to having a passion for purity. Say yes to the most important relationship you will ever have. As for those who stand against abstinence only programs, the message is the same. Say yes to the greatest Lover of all, and He will take care of the rest.