Before the Altar

Book excerpt: Biblical purity is not merely a line we are called not to cross; it is a lifestyle we are called to live. It is more than physical restraint. True purity involves our minds, motives, and actions. Culture says to follow your heart. Scripture says follow God. It is time we start living like Jesus followers in every area of our lives, sold out for His glory. Romance and love are no exception. Books written on the topics of romance, singleness, and purity are looking back, but I am looking forward. I have never dated or kissed, and Im eighteen. Most people my age have already dated, kissed, and lost their virginity; some have even experienced pregnancy. For young adults, divorce and cohabitation rates are beyond acceptable. Abortion numbers have amassed to over nine holocausts. And I am compelled to stand in the gap. If no one makes a stand, we can only expect even worse consequences to come. Its time to stop playing in the muck of this world and slapping a Christian label on it. We need to be resolute in surrendering our lives to the authorship of God. And that surrender starts nowbefore the altar.