J
A lot of things are spoken of as being priceless, but some things truly are, aren't they? One of those things is virtue.
There are times when some of us cringe when we see yet another thread regarding sexual purity or issues with which some struggle. Those of us who have been married or out in the world for a time or in situations where we have seen a lot of the world's ugliness in many ways have become de-sensitized to it. (I'm speaking particularly to myself tonight.) Some of us don't understand the temptation even a simple kiss can hold for those who are innocent and curious. We forget the clumsiness of more innocent times when we were learning, and oftentimes not even knowing exactly what to ask or how to ask it.
But here's the thing...do you remember YOUR innocence at all? I do. I had forgotten, but God has brought it to my remembrance of late. I hope He will do the same for you if you find yourself a bit on the jaded side, showing impatience with those who are either still very youth/have been sheltered/have clung to their innocence for many years, because if you take the time to remember it, you'll come to understand what a treasure it is, even more than those who still have it in many ways. Because you understand that once it is lost, there's no getting it back.
So, rather than cringing, I'm hoping giving thought to the precious treasure that is innocence will stir those of us who know full well what we no longer have will not only encourage those who attempt to cling to it in a world determined to steal it from them, but will do everything in our power to protect them. Even from ourselves.
This is not a thread about sexual issues/addictions or the rights or wrongs thereof, so please don't drag the message of purity down into the gutter. It's about being encouragers and defenders of innocence. I never realized before last night how easily the walks of some with the Lord can be affected by things I no longer even blink at. That may SOUND like a condescending thing to say, but my intent is the absolutely opposite. My intent is to convey my respect for them and to do all I can to lift them up/defend them. We have an opportunity to turn our losses into gains for others. That's the sort of selfless love to which we are called. My prayer is that we can rise to it.
There are times when some of us cringe when we see yet another thread regarding sexual purity or issues with which some struggle. Those of us who have been married or out in the world for a time or in situations where we have seen a lot of the world's ugliness in many ways have become de-sensitized to it. (I'm speaking particularly to myself tonight.) Some of us don't understand the temptation even a simple kiss can hold for those who are innocent and curious. We forget the clumsiness of more innocent times when we were learning, and oftentimes not even knowing exactly what to ask or how to ask it.
But here's the thing...do you remember YOUR innocence at all? I do. I had forgotten, but God has brought it to my remembrance of late. I hope He will do the same for you if you find yourself a bit on the jaded side, showing impatience with those who are either still very youth/have been sheltered/have clung to their innocence for many years, because if you take the time to remember it, you'll come to understand what a treasure it is, even more than those who still have it in many ways. Because you understand that once it is lost, there's no getting it back.
So, rather than cringing, I'm hoping giving thought to the precious treasure that is innocence will stir those of us who know full well what we no longer have will not only encourage those who attempt to cling to it in a world determined to steal it from them, but will do everything in our power to protect them. Even from ourselves.
This is not a thread about sexual issues/addictions or the rights or wrongs thereof, so please don't drag the message of purity down into the gutter. It's about being encouragers and defenders of innocence. I never realized before last night how easily the walks of some with the Lord can be affected by things I no longer even blink at. That may SOUND like a condescending thing to say, but my intent is the absolutely opposite. My intent is to convey my respect for them and to do all I can to lift them up/defend them. We have an opportunity to turn our losses into gains for others. That's the sort of selfless love to which we are called. My prayer is that we can rise to it.
but God desires it and has the power to heal and purify! Woo!! XD