I didn’t choose to live a life of purity because I’m a Christian.
I chose to live a life of purity because, from my experience, it’s the best way to live. (And that’s true for why I do a lot of things that most people would tag as “Christian” or “religious.” I follow Jesus with my life not just because a pastor told me to or because it’s the “Christian” thing to do, but because, from my experience, Jesus’ example is the best way to live.)
Regardless of your age, gender or marital status, purity is important. This is because it’s extremely difficult (maybe even impossible) to be truly intimate and vulnerable with someone both emotionally and sexually when he or she is not totally sexually committed to you alone. It’s like telling a friend a secret. Why would you tell him or her a secret if you know he or she isn’t going to keep it between the two of you? In the same way, you won’t want to be completely vulnerable and intimate with someone who is giving away him or herself sexually outside of your marriage.
This is the simplest reason to stay pure for those who are already married and also for those who are single. The more you can keep sex between you and your spouse, the more vulnerable you will be able to be together, which means better sex and greater intimacy. For those who are single, thinkĀ of your sexuality as something to be preserved for your spouse. The more you can preserve, the easier it will be to have an awesome, intimate sex life with your spouse someday.
I speak from experience.
My husband, Drew, and I met in high school. We had both committed to a lifestyle of purity before we had met, which helped us out immensely. We dated for three and a half years before we got married. Our wedding night was the first night we had sex. I say this not to share TMI, but rather to encourage those who are still single that it IS possible. Will you make mistakes? Yes! Are they forgivable? Yes! But it is possible to live a lifestyle of purity before you’re married (and while you’re married).
Drew and I have been married for more than two years now and we benefit every day from our choice to live a life of purity. Knowing my spouse is preserving his sexual self only for me makes it easier for me to want to be more vulnerable with him and provides us with a deeper, more intimate relationship than we would have if we weren’t preserving ourselves sexually for each other.
I have never once regretted my choice to live in purity. It’s possible and it’s worth it.