Argumentative Essay- May 6, 2010

How far is too far?

America has taken something traditionally meant for married couples to enjoy, used for bonding and re-creation, and turned it into common recreation. Sex outside of marriage is a topic all young people are discussing or exposed to in some way. Many young people are growing increasingly curious about this subject. As controversial as this issue is, many people decide to indulge themselves. Many others decide to wait until marriage, but are then faced with the question, “how far is too far?” Until we reach the altar, where is the line? First off, is there a line? If so, where does it come from?

In America today, 18-19 year olds have the highest pregnancy rate, followed by 15-17 year olds. Teen mothers are more likely to not finish high school, 80% of them end up on welfare and are less likely to be married. The babies born also tend to have a lower birth weight. (1) Something else to consider is safety. Statistics show that 50% of HIV infected people are ages 15-24. Even with a condom, the risk of contracting HIV is still there! (2) Not only is premarital sex a great risk, but God commands us to refrain from such activity! Hebrews 13:4 says, "Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure..." Keeping “the marriage bed” pure begins before marriage, so we must refrain until we are married.

To do this, physical boundaries need to be laid out immediately. Metaphorically speaking, how do we make sure we don’t fall off of the cliff of premarital sex? Logically, you would stay as far away from the cliff’s edge as possible. Song of Solomon 3:5 says “promise me… do not awaken love until the time is right!” If we engage in foreplay before we are married, we are dancing on the edge of that cliff. We know having sex is wrong, but “how far is too far?” If you question the activity, or if it makes you, or the other person, stumble in any way, it’s probably too far. (2) 1 Corinthians 10:13 declares, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out..." That is why there needs to be physical boundaries! When temptation comes, you will be able to stand against it because you were prepared!

Then what should a couple do if they cross the boundaries that were laid out? Proverbs 15:22 says, “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” A couple should seek counsel, and have accountability! Committing to purity is a decision that is important to make. Teenagers committed to purity are targeted as judgmental and self-depriving, among other things, but what humility, purity, self respect, genuine love and a desire for God comes from purity! So many people see sex and foreplay as a form of indulgence and pleasure, but then neglect the effects it has. Like when a young girl is convinced that her body is the only thing that will bring her acceptance and young man thinking his self worth comes from many partners. In both cases, the true value of these people as who they is lost and forgotten!

The topic of premarital sex, and the often forgotten questions of foreplay are ones teens deal with too often at a much too young of an age. Only under the commitment covenant of marriage, can sexual activities be kept sacred and thriving. It’s certainly true that sexual activities may feel good at the moment, but those feelings are soon replaced with broken hearts and broken lives, so is it really worth it? I praise the Lord that he has enlightened me before my life was completely destroyed by this modern day plague, and I pray that He will do the same for others who are so close to destruction themselves.

End notes:

1) Pregnancy-info.net

2) Allaboutworldview.org