Relationships and the joy of being in love - a fitting topic for the day I would say!
I once heard of an analogy between a red rose and moral purity.
It's a story of a thought-provoking message given at a youth group. The leader stands up in front of the group and holds up a single red rose - one that they had bought from a florist on their way to that evening. They ask each person to pass it around and hold it for a moment. Take the time to look at it from all angles, smell it, rub a petal in between their fingers and feel its texture, and if they liked, take a petal from the flower to keep for themselves. Each person handed it around and did just that - enjoyed its beauty, and then the last person handed it back to the leader. The leader looked at the rose, in its now damaged and handled state and held it up again in front of the group. At the same time, the leader also held up another red rose, one that was bought at the same time as the other, but left on the table while the other was passed around.
He asked the group, which one do you want?
The group unanimously stated the one that was untouched...
A wise woman explained the same concept from a different perspective, using a different analogy.
'If I bought a car and wanted to know how to have it last and run at its very best, I would need to consult the makers of that car, or the owner’s manual, to find out what the instructions are for proper care and use. Likewise, we have a Creator who knows what is best for us. He knows what will bring us the most joy, and Him the most glory. He has left us a manual, as well, the Bible. We encourage all of our children to follow God’s plan for their lives. Living outside of God’s plan will only bring temporary happiness at best, and it will most definitely end in heartache and despair. God’s Word is very clear to us on this subject. His will is one man and one woman - for life! To someone who might not know the Lord, His restrictions might seem harsh and unloving. Quite the contrary is experienced by those who know and love Him. His ways are best for us, even if we don’t understand. A two year old might cry because his parents buckle him in a car seat, limiting his freedom. The loving parent knows, however, that the car seat will protect him from calamity.' ~Kelly Bates
'...you are precious and honoured in my sight... because I love you' ~Isaiah 43:3
Purity in relationships in today's society is often regarded as elusive and old fashioned; seldom understand the preciousness of that gift; the fact that it can only be given once, to one person. Society has differing views, expectations and stereotypes for women and men regarding this topic; but purity is just as much for guys as it is for girls.
It can be hard to pursue and hard to maintain, because we live in a world that promotes all things impure.I think it is important to recognise what is personally tempting and set boundaries for protection. And of course, pray! Stay close to God.
Please, dear Lord, guard my heart and my mind from things impure, and for the one you have for me. Give me the strength to withstand temptation.
When temptation presents itself - it offers the opportunity to do the right thing, just as much as it offers the opportunity to do the wrong thing. It is a choice. Life is all about choices.
We all make mistakes, yes that is true. And for some, they may feel like it's too late - but it is not! One can choose to pursue a second purity.
'...Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things' ~Philippians 4:8
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