Abstinence! Probably the most unpopular word in a young person’s vocabulary. As a matter of fact, I had to look it up in a dictionary just to see how to spell it. Abstinence is defined as “the act or practice of refraining from indulgence in an appetite, as for certain foods, drinks, alcoholic beverages, drugs, and premarital sex.”

In other words, deny yourself of unhealthy foods and drinks, alcoholic beverages, drugs and pre-marital sex. In the times that we live in, I know believing that someone can have this much self-control seems impossible. But, what if I told you that there are persons amongst you that abstain from a lot, if not all of these things on a day-to-day basis? What if I told you that you could abstain from these things too, and have a more prosperous and fulfilling life without them?

Naturally, this would be the part where the preacher gives the alter call and says, “The doors of the church are now open; anyone who wants to give their heart to the Lord please come down or raise your hand.” Although that is a very important part of life, for time sake we’re going to skip it and go straight to the purpose of this article. The purpose of this article is to create a desire of righteousness within us; to create a desire of correction for our past mistakes. Simply, the main purpose of this article is to reiterate the importance of abstaining from pre-marital sex, or fornication.

Now for the good stuff! The only way abstinence can be performed is through practice. Meaning every time you are faced with the opportunity to indulge in having sex you turn it down. Despite what anyone tells you or even what you now believe, abstaining from sex only has advantages and adds to your life, as opposed to the idea that you are losing something by not engaging in it. The advantages below pertain to how abstinence affects your life right now: First, it puts you in alignment with God’s commandments-1 Corinthians 6:13 Food [is intended] for the stomach and the stomach for food, but God will finally end [the functions of] both and bring them to nothing. The body is not intended for sexual immorality, but [is intended] for the Lord, and the Lord [is intended] for the body [[a]to save, sanctify, and raise it again]. Second, it disallows unwanted and unnecessary drama in your life.

Ladies, you know that dude was everything you wanted him to be before you had sex with him. Now, all of a sudden, it seems like you can’t catch him and when you finally do, it’s only to engage in more sexual activity.

And fellas, you know females are emotionally driven and after one time they start to get attached, showing up at your door unannounced, telling your business and the list goes on and on! And last, because it’s just not worth it. It’s not worth staying up late nights crying (pouting) because he/she hasn’t called you, or because you saw them with another person.

It’s not worth the mental, emotional, and for some of us, the physical abuse that we go through because we gave a sacred part of ourselves to someone that was unworthy. It’s not worth the weekly visits to the infirmary, doctor, o.b.g.y.n., abortion clinic and pastor of your church to seek cleansing from some infection, disease or sinful act you have performed all for a moment of pleasure!

There’s really only one way to protect yourself from the various harms that come with pre-marital sex and that is to ABSTAIN!

Start today. It’s proven to be worth it! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about how to begin practicing abstinence e-mail me at [email protected].

• Woodrow Bumbry