Keep Yourself Pure

Note to Parents

We at Apologetics Press understand that some topics are more sensitive in nature and more difficult to discuss in a magazine format like Discovery. One of those topics is sexual purity. We feel, however, that it is very important for young people to know how to deal with this issue. Thus, we have produced this month's magazine that discusses physical purity. You may want to preview the magazine before giving it to your children, or go through it and interact with them about this sensitive subject.

Joseph was a young man serving in Potiphar's house when he faced a great temptation. He was at work one day when his boss' wife asked him to lie down with her like her husband. She was likely a very beautiful woman, and her offer was even more tempting, because they were all alone. It might be that no one on Earth would ever know about the act except for Joseph and her. But Joseph knew better. He asked, "How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9).

Joseph's commitment to God in sexual matters should be an example to everyone. God created men and women with the ability to have sexual relations. There is pleasure in this kind of intimate companionship between a husband and wife, which also allows for the creation of children. Both of these purposes can be fulfilled righteously only in a scriptural marriage relationship. God has no purpose for sexual relations outside of marriage. The Bible says: "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge" (Hebrews 13:4).

As you grow older, you will notice sexual feelings stirring within you. (This is a natural signal that your body is maturing.) However, it will be your responsibility to keep those feelings under control, just like Joseph did. This may be difficult at times, but with God's help (Hebrews 13:4-6), wise decision making, and the determination to "keep yourself pure" (1 Timothy 5:22), you can overcome Satan's temptations.

One day, when you have a boyfriend or girlfriend, make sure to always be in "safe" places. That is, make sure you surround yourselves with your family or good friends so that you will not find yourself in vulnerable situations. It is also good to talk about these matters with your parents and friends. Talk about your aim to remain pure. If you make guidelines for yourself early on, it will be easier to resist temptations. It can be difficult to resist sexual temptations, but we can with God's help (Philippians 4:13). Godly men and women have resisted the devil with God's help in the past; God's people can do the same today.

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*Please keep in mind that Discovery articles are written for 3rd-6th graders.

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