God wants you to be holy and pure and to keep clear of all sexual sin so that each of you will marry in holiness and honor—not in lustful passion as the heathen do, in their ignorance of God and his ways.
(1 Thess. 4:4-5 TLB)
Everywhere teenagers turn, images of sex are in their faces. Many think it’s “un-cool” to be a virgin.
They don’t have any qualms about dating more than one person at a time or having multiple sexual partners in high school. We are to show our children that what their peers think is acceptable is unacceptable in God’s eyes.
It is important that you sit down with your kids and have “the talk” before they hit puberty and start noticing boys and girls. This will be one of the most important discussions you ever have with them.
When you tell them about sex outside of marriage and it’s possible consequences (pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases), include what the Bible has to say about intercourse.
Your children may think that the Bible is an out-of-date book that has little relevance to what’s going on in the world today; however, explain that it is the living Word of God and that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8).
What was written in the Bible still applies to our lives today. In fact, Paul said, “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning” (Rom. 15:4 KJV).
Teach your children that sex is a gift, and when it is enjoyed in the confines of a godly marriage, it is a blessing indeed. 1
Regardless of the ages of your children, you can begin praying about their sexuality today and discussing age-appropriate information. Ask God for wisdom as to when to have “the talk” and how to go about it so that it will have the maximum impact.
1 “So, Your Kids Want to Date?” Changing Your World Magazine (Sept. 2003) p. 12.
by Lindsay Roberts
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Taffi Dollar is a celebrated author, teacher, and well-known conference speaker. Together with her husband, Creflo Dollar, she pastors more than 30,000 active members at World Changers Church International, World Changers Church-New York, as well as a host of fellowship churches throughout the U.S. and internationally.
She is the founder of the WCCI Women's Ministry and Prestige Ministry, both geared toward assisting and inspiring women. Through these ministries, she eloquently brings light to women's everyday struggles and gives heartfelt, life-improving advice.
Voted one of Atlanta's most influential women by the Atlanta Business League, her influence expands beyond ministry into music. She serves as the CEO of Arrow Records, a cutting-edge Christian recording label, and has been a guest panelist at numerous music festivals and workshops.
Taffi and her husband have five children and reside in Atlanta.