In our modern culture of self-gratification and short-term mentality, most people don't think about the negative consequences of indulging in sex before marriage until they are experiencing them. Some may believe it “old fashioned” to wait. However, a study done by researchers from Brigham Young University's School of Family Life in Utah found that couples who save sex for the honeymoon and beyond, have a more enjoyable sex life and lasting marriage.
"Almost all Americans have premarital sex…" states Sharon Jayson plainly in USA Today.
Though that may be true now, it hasn't always been the case. What has changed in our culture, and why have we gradually become so passive and accepting when it comes to the increasing, recreational sexual activity of Generation Y? I have often heard, “They are going to do it, so we may as well teach them how to be safe." But what about “safe sex” that is really safe? Avoiding pregnancy is really the only safety, but the pain and potentially devastating results can be just as serious as the possibility of pregnancy, though the effects are less blatant.
Most people believe it unrealistic to expect young people (or anyone for that matter) to actually abstain from sex before marriage, but what if the standards taught and demonstrated in our homes and schools promoted abstinence? What kind of changes would we see in our society if we took the time to show young people a better way, with the hope of something to look forward to in marriage? Perhaps the problem lies within the gradual descent of expectations regarding self-control and responsibility on the part of the authority figures in their lives. Would we see the abortion, STD, and suicidal rates drop?
Our culture has completely perverted sex and the union that it creates between two persons. If we upheld it as the sacred and meaningful gift that it truly is, I believe the impact would be a powerful one – in marriage, in family, and in our society as a whole.
John Von Radowitz states in The Independent, "Couples who avoid having sex before marriage end up having happier, more stable relationships, and a better time in bed, according to psychologists. An American study backs the straitlaced view that sex should wait until one's wedding night."
By saving sex for marriage, not only are potential physical and emotional health problems avoided, but the anticipation of a fulfilling and long-lasting sexual relationship is formed.
Singer/Songwriter Kim Hill puts it honestly, "The decision to have sex outside of marriage results in a slow, subtle kind of death. It's the death of innocence and purity, the shattering of dreams, the numbing of a once vibrant, youthful spirit. The word abstinence implies denial and all sorts of negative restrictions. In truth though, abstinence means wholeness and freedom and peace. A life of virtue can be a difficult road, but it's a road of promise and excellence, and one without regret."
Sources:
John von Radowitz. "Good Sex Comes to Those Who Wait." The Independent, December 28, 2010 (accessed March 3, 2011).
Sharon Jayson. "Most Americans Have Had Premarital Sex, Study Finds." USA Today, December 19, 2006 (accessed March 3, 2011).
Jami Jensen - Follower of Jesus. Lover and Collector of all things vintage. World Traveler. Photographer. Musical Theater/Dance Performer. Mixed Media ...
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