Craig Clouston

 Absolutes

October 24

Then they can train the younger women to … be self-controlled and pure.

Titus 2:4

Shania realized she’d made a terrible mistake accepting Reggie’s offer of a ride home. She grabbed his hand, pulling it away from her breast. “No!” she said adamantly. “Stop it!” The timbre in her voice left no doubt that she meant what she’d said. “I want to go home now!”

“Aw, c’mon, Shania. What’s wrong with a little exploration?” Reggie’s hormones were cranked, and he wasn’t going to be easily dissuaded. “You didn’t mind it when we kissed. What’s the big deal?” he asked, genuinely perplexed.

But as she scooted away, he sensed his expectations dying an emotion-filled death. This doesn’t make any sense. He thought. After all, she kissed me, didn’t she? What’s up with that?

“What makes this so wrong?” he said, confusion and frustration driving him.

“I’m a Christian, Reggie,” she stated with conviction. “I made a commitment to Jesus not to have sex before marriage. I want my husband to be the only man I ever have sex with, and I don’t intend to break that vow. You offered me a ride home,” she reminded him, “not a sexual encounter. Now, please take me home.”

Completely baffled but resigned not to push her anymore, Reggie restarted the car and drove Shania home.

†

It’s difficult for teens to remain pure until marriage while television and blockbuster movies are constantly sending the message, “Everybody’s having sex!”

Society has removed moral absolutes because of their restrictions, yet refuses to make the connection to the rising rate of teen pregnancy, teen abortion, teen rape, and teen suicide.

When we fail to teach the spiritual reason for abstinence, we remove the ability to understand why morality matters. The consequences of sex outside of marriage can run the gambit from disease to unwanted pregnancy, not to mention being open to spiritual assault.

Paul instructed the older women to train the young ones. Sadly, many have failed in their responsibilities by modeling a life of promiscuity, so the cycle repeats itself.

The cycle will end when those who understand absolutes step up and show our young women how to reclaim their purity.

Prayer

“Forgive our turn from moral absolutes, Lord. Help us reestablish them in our homes so our children might understand Your purpose for their lives. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”