Young People Ask/What About Virginity Pledges? - A Better Approach

Virginity pledge programs have a noble goal. The problem is, they don't necessarily instill the values needed for follow-through.  Many who promise to remain virgins "aren't really internalizing the pledge," says Dr. Rosenbaum.  "Abstinence has to come from an individual conviction rather than participating in a program.

The Bible encourages such individual conviction, not by having a person take a written or oral pledge, but by helping him to "have [his] powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong." (Hebrews 5:14) After all, virginity is not just a matter of avoiding disease and pregnancy; it is a way to show honor to the Creator of marriage. - MATTHEW 5:19; 19:4-6. 

The standards set forth in the Bible are for our good. (Isaiah 48:17)  Indeed, all people-regardless of their age-can develop the strength of character to obey God's commands to "flee from sexual immorality." (1 Corinthians 6:18) When they do marry, they will thus be able to enjoy intimacy fully, without the worries and regrets that are so often the aftermath of premarital sex. 

Next time: Who Is to Blame - You or Your Genes?

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