For the fourth year in a row, I had the honor to speak to the confirmation class at St. Matthew's in Schaumburg, IL. This class consists of roughly 90 sophomores, and the objective of the evening is to present them with the information necessary to formulate a godly stance on their sexuality.
Here is a brief outline...The entire presentation is about an hour long, and with these verbal points, there are also several visual illustrations.
I) God's Design for Sex
a. God intended for sex to involve our entire being
b. Our culture has reduced sex to merely a physical transaction
2) God's Direction for Sex
a. God instructs that sex be reserved for marriage between a husband a wife
b. God's boundaries are there because of His unconditional love for us; He wants to protect us.
c. Consequences are physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual.
3) Our Decision regarding our sexuality
a. This decision literally impacts the direction our life takes.
b. A standard needs to be made BEFORE relationships begin.
c. Know that relationships can compliment our life, but only God can complete who we are.
Each year I am amazed at the looks on the student's faces as I share this information. In speaking with their coordinator, some of these student's do not even know that abstinence is an option for them. Premature sexual activity has become expected. This so called "sexual revolution" is supposed to bring liberation to society. But, the effects have been reversed. One now feels like that HAVE to be sexually active if they want to be seen as a good dating prospect. In order to be "competitve" or "marketable'" to members of the opposite gender, sex is considered a must. How is sex liberating, when the individual feels as if they HAVE to do it if they want to be datable? Instead of sex involving intimacy and romance between a husband and a wife, it has now been reduced to an act of obligation between two uncommitted parties.
I conclude the topic by attempting to convince the students of the tremendous love that God has for them, and the unconditional acceptance that He offers. My goal is that they understand that God gives them worth, and the fact that they are his children is what gives their life value. Knowing that you belong to someone, ends the search and quest for emotional fulfillment.
6 comments:
Great post. I pray that more people in the world realize that the "void" in their hearts can be filled God's love or other junk. Far too many people seeking acceptance and self-worth stray too far on the wrong path. I truly hope that there may be a second "sexual revolution" that can turn the tide to the correct path. I like the title for your post. "Save it..."
I agree with you that a lot of young people just don't realize that abstinence is an option. I pray that will change.
Great post!
Mike
Wow Bethany! That is a great outline! I'm sure the student's were challenged and hopefully they will make better choices as a result of your talk.
I like.
I've had too many conversations with girls, and they talk about how they had sex because they thought their boyfriends loved them.
As my mom always says, 'No rings, no strings.' I'm not sure how much that applies to this, but it has a nice 'ring' to it. hahaha.
Very nice outline, I hope the topic was well received. My Mom always used to say you have to have self respect. No one else will respect you if you don't respect yourself. One of the fastest ways you can lose respect is by premature sexual activity! Once you give it up, the quest is over and they usually move onto another challenge.
Yeah, it's rather sad over hearing conversations at my school. It seems like half the time people are talking about sex. You're message is awesome. I wish the teens in this world would stop living of their IDs. ^__^
Very good post! It's so sad to see where our young people are heading. They're blinded by so many things. Sometimes I just wish we could take away all this junk and live more simple lives so they wouldn't be pulled in so many directions!
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