In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT), God’s Word teaches us a profound truth: “19 Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” Despite society’s attempts to downplay this truth, it remains pivotal in shaping our understanding of personal worth and responsibility before God. Sadly, even within the believing community, there are those who have embraced societal norms over God’s standards. However, there are also those who steadfastly uphold and honor this biblical principle.
Many single believers today are earnestly seeking marriage and have committed to abstinence, but in a culture where premarital intimacy is normalized, they find themselves challenged as they uphold God’s standards. Choosing to honor Him in this area often invites criticism, but we should never be swayed by this.
Allegiance to God’s standard
Scripture provides clear guidance on living distinctively as followers of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NIV), God calls believers to maintain separation from worldly influences, emphasizing the importance of purity and obedience to His standards: “Therefore, ‘Come out from them and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.’” This directive from our Heavenly Father emphasizes the call to live in a manner that honors God’s holiness and reflects our identity as His children.
Similarly, Romans 12:2 exhorts us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to undergo a transformation through the renewal of our minds, enabling us to discern and live according to God’s good and perfect will. This transformation is essential for living a life that is pleasing to God. Many people think of abstinence as an extreme sacrifice they are unwilling to make. In truth, it is the privilege of obedience that allows us to demonstrate our love for God and unwavering commitment to live by faith.
Embracing Purity and Purpose
Sexual purity isn’t just about following rules—it deeply affects our spiritual health and how we honor God. As 1 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV) bluntly puts it, “Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.” This verse shows how sexual choices can seriously impact us physically and spiritually. We must be careful in this area.
In today’s world, some might say that staying abstinent is old-fashioned or not practical. But believers should know that our main focus isn’t about fitting in with society—it’s about pleasing God. Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) encourages us to “strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.” This verse reminds us to get rid of anything that hinders our relationship with God, including temptations that pull us away from His plan for purity.
The decision to uphold God’s standards often means facing worldly pressures. It’s a choice between pleasing others or honoring God. While society may prioritize physical desires, our Heavenly Father desires our purity and offers His Spirit to guide us through temptations.
Again, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, and honoring God with our bodies leads to His blessings, including His guidance in relationships. He wants us to have a God-honoring marriage, and if we seek His wisdom earnestly, He will guide us away from sexual sin and into the beautiful marital union we desire. We must be clear that abstinence isn’t about legalism—it’s about aligning our lives with God’s Will. Abstinence is the most important step we can take towards a Godly marriage. It’s a way to honor Him and protect our own well-being, ensuring we can walk in His blessings and purpose for our lives. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“The Most Important Step to Godly Marriage”, written by Kim Times, edited by Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.