As I watched Fox News tonight, I wasn’t surprised by Bristol Palin’s comments about sex and abstinence.  Palin said: “Everyone should be abstinent or whatever, but it’s not realistic at all.”  Fox News reported that she said abstinence was not realistic because pre-marital sex is so accepted among teenagers.  

I agree that pre-marital sex is widely accepted in our culture and is promoted on nearly every front for teenagers.  However, it shouldn’t be accepted as being ok among teens or adults who claim to be followers of Christ.

I’m no stranger to sin.  If you know my story, I was very rebellious and wild as a teenager.  My lifestyle and attitudes were immoral and out of control.  I’m not proud of my past, but I’m thankful through Jesus Christ that my past and guilt are forgiven. 

All followers of Christ struggle with sin, but we also have God’s help to overcome any temptation we face.   1 Cor. 10:13 says:  “But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.”

In addition, we have the greatest power in the world available to help us say no to cultural trends that do not line up with God’s will for our lives.  Ephesians 1:19-20 says:  I want you to know about the great and mighty power that God has for us followers. It is the same wonderful power he used when he raised Christ from death and let him sit at his right side in heaven.

If we claim to be followers of Christ, we don’t live with perfection – we live with direction.  That direction should be to live as Christ did.  1 John 2:6 states: “Anyone who says he is a Christian should live as Christ did.”    In addition, God’s will is very clear and plain when it comes to sexual sin of any kind:  1 Thess 4:3 states:  “For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality.”

I’m not so naive as to think that Christian teens and adults don’t struggle with the cultural pressure to be involved in sex outside of marriage.  But God’s power is totally and completely available every Christ follower to be able to say “no” to the desires and pressures of the world.

I’ve never met a virgin (whether a follower of Christ or not) that regretted saving themselves sexually for their marriage.  I have, on the other hand, talked with many teens and adults who lost their virginity and wished they had saved it for their marriage partner.

If you are reading this and have blown it in the area of sexual immorality,  take responsibility for your sin; confess (agree with God and admit that it is sin) and repent (turn from your sin).  Then accept God’s forgiveness and grace.    1 John 1:9 says:  But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.     Psalm 32:5 states: “Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the LORD.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.”    It is absolutely amazing to know all your guilt is gone!!!!

CNN reported that Bristol Palin wanted to do the news interview because she hoped it would cause other teens to think twice about having sex. I’m glad she had the courage to do this and is trying to use her story in a positive way.  However, I disagree with the idea that abstinence is not realistic.  Abstinence is not only realistic for those of us who are non-married followers of Christ; it can and should be the norm.