You all should know my view on this but for discussion's sake, I'll entertain the question.
I grew up in the holy, sanctified Church of God in Christ. Girls wore no pants, make up. We were not allowed to listen to secular music. Everyone knew that sex before marriage was a grave sin.
Times have changed in the COGIC world and christiandom at large. It's not uncommon for many women to have a little Mac in their bag next to that well-worn and highlighted King James.
But how relaxed is too lax?
I have met many Christians with varying beliefs on drinking, tithing, clothes and music. I choose not to judge either way. Are there somethings that are black or white, yes or no?
I was listening to a woman who was upset that the man she had been dating and sleeping with had gotten her and 2 other women pregnant. She expressed shock over this man who knew the Word in and out. Her shock was at the fact that he was not faithful to her.
I believe the real commitment of a celibate life is not between two individuals but between you and God. (Thanks The Old Black Church) So if you are not faithful to God, how can you be faithful to another flawed human being?
Let that marinate, while I sip some tea.
A Christian follows Christ, follows the words of Christ i.e. the Bible.
I think a lot of Christians find sex a hard thing to give up especially when it's so easy to give in to. Many are not taught how to live a celibate life. Sex is the ultimate don't ask, don't tell for some.
And then there are those statistics. Like churches being up to 80 percent women, 70 percent of black women never getting married. You hear that long enough and even the mose faithful can feel pressured to settle for "shacking" lol. How old is that term? Yet, some Christians love the Lord, love the Word and a little something else. lol
What say you?
I totally agree with your feelings on celibacy. I believe that it is DEFINITELY a necessity for the single Christian. Abstaining from fornication is clearly stated in the Bible, on more than one occasion.
When we have sex with a person, we become spiritually linked to that person. It’s no surprise that God said that the two shall become ONE when they are married.
When we start having sex, not only do we become mentally, spiritually, and emotionally connected to the other person; but we also open ourselves up to demonic attacks from Satan.
Sin opens the door to more sin.
Sin leads to death.
As a single Christian, our focus is on the Lord. When we engage in sexual activities with our siginificant other, or in some cases OTHERS, this takes away time and intimacy that is supposed to be directed towards God.
Bottom line, celibacy is a must. Am I perfect? No. Am I a virgin? Nope. I blew that years ago. But I have made enough mistakes and given my body away enough to know that this temple belongs to the Lord.
I love this post and your post on “How To Be Celibate”. I’m definitely going to commit those steps to memory.
Love you!
Thanks for the feedback!
I know this is an area many people struggle with but I am a living witness God will keep you!
Love you right back!
I happened upon your article after posting a similar one a few days ago. I agree with you.
I think people do not know how to get over the struggle with celibacy because they continue the same patterns in dating.
Even having a discussion with someone about it gets testy. But I imagine when they are ready to completely give up they will have a pathway to reconnecting with God, and staying away from temptation.
http://www.yourboyfriendsbestgirlfriend.com/2012/05/single-christians-celibate-or-having.html
Its all about the relationship with God being paramount. I listed some helpful tips in another post. I think its helpful for other Christians who may be struggling to know that they are not alone.