There was a great press conference held last week with rising Florida Gator’s Quarterback Tim Tebow where he was asked the question, “Are you saving yourself for marriage?”  His response was, “Yes, I am.”  This left the reporter stumbling over his words.  A moment of silence spread over the news conference followed by uncomfortable laughter.

The reporters obviously didn’t know how to respond to a young man who believes sex is meant solely for marriage.  I’m sure most of the reporters thought he was from another planet.  Or, were completely dumbfounded that such a creature still walks the face of the earth.

This press conference clearly cemented the ambivalent feelings the media and popular culture have for virgins and virginity.  I wonder what the level of ostracism would have been from colleagues if another reporter in the room stood up and said, “Way to go Tim, that’s an honorable thing to do. Keep following God’s design for your future.” 

A couple of years ago, cities across the country had billboards up that said, “Virgin - Teach Your Kids It’s Not A Dirty Word.”   This young man’s parents obviously taught this lesson well.  I’m praying that Tim Tebow continues to speak openly about his virginity and confirms what studies have shown for years.

• Sex is well worth waiting for
• Sex is better in marriage
• Sex is better with couples who have a spiritual connection

In his infinite wisdom, God has a very well laid out plan for purity.  He wants each of us to experience it with our mind, our heart, our eyes, and our body - before marriage and after.

• 1 Corinthians 6:20 - Honor God with your body.
• 1 Peter 1:14-15 - Live in obedience - don’t live to satisfy your own desires. Be holy in all your manner and conduct of living
• 1 John 3:2-3 - It’s important to keep our eyes focused on resembling Christ. For he is pure - we are to keep ourselves pure.
• Matthew 7:21, 3:8 - What is required is serious, not casual obedience.  Do not use people to make you feel loved or important. Don’t do what is the popular thing to do.  Let your life reflect what is in your heart.
• Deuteronomy 6:24 - God has given us guidelines that are designed to preserve and bless our lives.
• 1 Peter 2:9 - You are chosen and deeply loved by God.  You can speak out about God’s goodness and the difference he has made in your life - from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.
• Romans 1:19 - Ignoring God eventually leads to a downward spiral - a place that lacks hope and is filled with desperation. Deep down, people know the truth about God, he has made it obvious.
• 2 Timothy 2:20-22 - If you keep yourself pure, you will be used by God for honorable and noble purposes. Run away from the evil things that young people long for. Try hard to do what is right.
• Hebrews 12:14 - Are you so hungry for something that you will do ANYTHING to get that desire satisfied?   Some of you are there right now; ready to sell your future for something that is so insignificant right now.