How to Handle the Crossroads of Lifeনমুনা

The Crossroad of Marital Choice and Sexual Purity

There are a few choices we make in life that bring lasting consequences; choosing a life partner is one of them. It's a crucial crossroads we should take delicately and seriously. It's a decision that not only affects us but also impacts our children; we consciously or unconsciously choose their father or mother.

There are many teachers, speakers and writers on the subject of marriage and relationships, but only a few on sexual purity. The discussion around sexual purity is quite sensitive and contentious, but interestingly the Bible is not ambiguous or vague about it.

Our society and social structure are quite ambivalent on these subjects. However, irrespective of what social trends or society may dictate, my goal is to point us back to the Bible and use it as our legitimate and ultimate framework, void of personal interpretation or meaning; by that, we know we are building on solid ground.

The Bible gives a stern warning about sexual immorality. 1Cor 6:18-20

"Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies."

What are some examples of sexual sins? Homosexuality, rape, incest, pornography, masturbation, fornication, lust, prostitution, and pre-marital sex, to name a few. The narrative of 'my body, my choice' is not only fallacious but a very shallow ideology and in complete contrast to Biblical injunctions. From the verse above, "You are not your own."

A sexually pure life is fundamental and critical to an effective and sustainable walk with God. When we defile our bodies through sexual sin, the Holy Spirit cannot live there. And without the Holy Spirit, we become vulnerable. Hence, the warning to flee. Reuben, Samson, King Solomon, and King David were all victims of sexual immorality, and they paid for it dearly. There is always a grace for redemption, but grace doesn't always take away the pain and consequences of wrong choices. The regret always far outweighs the pleasure. When we come to this crossroads, we need to ask for the help of the Holy Spirit.

There are no perfect human templates relating to marital choice; our best bet is the Word of God and the direction of the Holy Spirit. Also, seeking godly counsel will give us a good framework. We need to be careful of shallow ideologies that are not grounded in the Word of God.

To my dear young brothers and sisters in Christ, please, don't yield to social pressure when making a marital choice, and kindly flee from all forms of sexual sins or immorality. God wants you to have a happy home and a strong godly family. You will never regret keeping yourself pure and holy.

Let godly friends hold you accountable, pray to God to guide you, and be rest assured, I am praying for you too.