Read 1 Corinthians 6:18, "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body."How do you think people would react if you told them to "flee from sexual immorality?" Unbelievers would laugh in your face if you told them that! When you turn on the television, sexual immorality is rampant. It is not only heartily condoned, but it is depicted as the normal, healthy way to have a "mature" relationship. It is joked about shamelessly and treated very lightly. We obviously see from 1 Corinthians 6:18 that God's view on immorality is very different than the world's.
In this verse, we see that God is very adamant about staying away from immorality at all costs. We're told to flee, which implies that immorality is dangerous. You will find that if you decide to put yourself in situations in which you know you will be tempted, you will stumble. I think that many Christian girls who make the mistake of getting physical with their boyfriends don't intend to go all the way. However, they do not flee from immorality. They don't set firm boundaries and try to get as close to the "purity line" as they can without technically crossing it. The minute you open the door to immorality, you will swiftly fall into temptation. Your commitment to purity must begin much sooner. You must run as fast as you can away from any hint of immorality. This means never putting yourself in a situation where you are in danger of sinning sexually. Don't go out with boys who are not committed to the Lord. Never close the door when you are alone with a guy in a room. Don't be home by yourself with a guy at all. Never lay down next to your boyfriend even if you just say you're "innocently" taking a nap together, etc. It is foolish to do these things I've listed. Putting yourself in these situations isn't fleeing from immorality, it's openly welcoming it.
We also see from this verse that sexual immorality is set apart from all other sins. There is something different about it. The verse says, "Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the immoral man sins against his own body." Sexual immorality is distinct from other sins, because it is more than just a physical sin. Sex binds you together with someone, making the two of you one flesh. You give part of yourself to that person. The act is emotionally binding and is the height of intimacy. Committing this sin is something that will bring you heartbreaking consequences.
I think one of the most important things to remember is that by forbidding sex outside of marriage, God is mercifully protecting you. This law is not to spoil your fun as a teenager; it's an act of God's grace. God created sex for a man and woman in marriage. Anything outside of this is a perversion and will have grave consequences. Think about all of the negative things associated with sex: STD's, unwanted pregnancies, abortion, shame, Aids, heartbreak. All of these things come from distorting God's plan for sex and committing immorality. By saving yourself for your husband, you are avoiding all of the harmful results that come from sexual sin. When God tells you to flee sexual immorality, He's telling you this because He loves you and wants His best for you. By obeying Him, you will be spared from so much pain and heartache. You will be able to enjoy His gift within marriage when the time comes without the baggage and painful memories immorality will surely leave you with.
One more thing...if you have engaged in some type of sexual immorality in the past, your life isn't over. Remember that we serve a God who loves to forgive the repentant and remove their sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). He redeems sinners and makes all things new. If you have committed immorality and repented of it, you need to know that you've been forgiven and don't need to walk in shame any longer. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Rom 8:1). I encourage you to make a strong commitment to purity from this day on.
I hope this has challenged you to realize that we can't afford to be lax when it comes to sexual immorality. We have to flee. Be on your guard against immorality and run away when you see it! Remember that God loves you and has established this law as a gracious protection for you. By following Him through a firm commitment to purity, you will be richly blessed~
