10 Lies Christian Teens Tell Themselves About Sex, Dating,and How Far Is Too Far

So, how far is too far? Is that a valid question to ask? In a world where sex is seen in every medium and condoms are being handed out in schools, what is a Christian teen to do when confronted with conflicting advice about what constitutes a sexual activity or abstinence? Here are the top 10 lies Christian teens tell themselves when it comes to answering the question, "How far is too far?"

1. Everybody Does It

Everybody? No. Not everybody is having sex. While the media and people in school may make it seem like everyone is having sex, there are just as many Christian teens (and non-Christians, too) waiting until marriage. Doing something just because everyone else is doing it is just giving into peer pressure. It takes a stronger person, or a person backed up by the strength of God, to resist temptation. When you stand up to peer pressure you are actually saving yourself from committing sin while being a good Christian witness to other teens around you.

2. It's No Big Deal

Sex is a big deal. Ask any Christian teen who struggles with having had sex before. There are a lot of emotions and spiritual struggles that come from having had sex outside of marriage. It is one of the reasons God placed such an emphasis on sex and relationships in the Bible. Sex is a beautiful act that comes out of the marriage covenant, and it means more than just an action.

3. Virginity is a State of Mind

Some people use the term "technical virgin" when describing their sexual status. Usually this means that the person has not had a sexual act that involved penetration. Virginity is more than that. Virginity is not a state of mind, but it is the conscious choice to not involve oneself in sexual acts until after marriage. Usually this excuse is used if someone wants to justify participating in sexual activity.

4. Sex and Love are the Same Thing

Sex and love are very different, but they are meant to complement one another. If you are in love it does not mean you should have sex. Sex is an act. Love is an emotion. They are very different, and it can be dangerous to mix them up. You should never feel like you have to have sex with someone just because you want to show them you love them. There are plenty of non-sexual ways to show your love to someone.

5. Sex is a Minor Sin

Pre-marital sex is sin. Sin is sin. However, it is dangerous to think that sex is a minor or equal sin to all others, because it can put you in a frame of mind to make bad choices. Sexual sin is still a defiance of God, and no sin is acceptable to God. Yes, you can be forgiven, but you will have to live with the sin you have committed, which can be difficult if you are not prepared to deal with sex emotionally.

6. Oral Sex Isn't Really Sex

Oral sex is a sexual act. Just because Christian teens are not having sex in the textbook fashion, it is still a sexual act that bonds a man and a woman together.

7. Third Base Isn't a Big Deal

Third base, also known as "heavy petting," is a big deal, because it can lead to other things. Not only is it a form of sexual action, but it can lead to sexual intercourse. It is very easy for Christian teens to get caught up in the moment and forget about any desire to stay abstinent. Sin is very tempting, and it does not always come with warning or stop signs. Going to Third Base can be a danger zone.

8. My Will Can Overcome Any Temptation

God's will can overcome any temptation. If you feel you have the strength alone to conquer any temptation, you are setting yourself up for trouble. Man is known for falling into sin, especially when there is an overconfidence in the self. Christian teens need to keep their eyes on God, and allow God to help set boundaries so they can resist the temptation. The Bible is full of helpful advice when it comes to coping with temptation, and it can be a useful tool.

9. Watching Porn or Masturbating is Less of a Sin Than Having Sex

A lot of people believe that pornography and masturbation are helpful in preventing a person from having sex. However, having sex is not just about the act, but it is about the frame of mind. If you have lust in your heart while you are watching pornographic movies or masturbating, then there is sin there.

10. I've Already Had Sex, So It's Too Late for Me

It is never too late. While the idea of "born-again virgin" may seem a little like "technical virgin," it is not the same thing. Many Christian teens that have already had sex choose to act as if they have never had sex and vow to wait until marriage. Having sex is not the end of the world. God is very forgiving, and He smiles at those who return to Him with a desire to do His will. While the temptation for someone who has had sex can be even stronger than the virgin, it can be overcome with God's help. God is waiting to welcome you with open arms.

Teen Love & Sex: Why Not?

I have been reading a few articles on teen sex that I don't fully agree with, so I decided to share my own opinions on the subject. Love and sex both vary on the maturity level of the participants. There is a huge range of teens out their from the love sick little girls (LMAO), to the heart-breakers, to the helpless romantics(LWKMD), to the bad boys, to the friends with benefits (LOL), to the people just looking for eye candy-- no two loving relationships and/or sexual relationships will be the same.

Love: Love is a strong affection for another based on common interest and personality compatibility; it is a powerful emotion. At this stage of life for teenagers, what are the odds of them experiencing true love? I believe in love, but it is a journey filled with obstacles that we learn to overcome and learn to help fight battles for another and sacrifice for another person. I think that teens have the capacity to be in love, but they are growing and it is not very likely that they found "true love" yet. Young love is both simple and complicated filled with bruises and a few broken hearts, but we learn from our mistakes and adapt; It is a learning process.

Sex: Sex is just the physical contact between at least two people based on the common interest of pleasure. We all know the different types of intercourse: oral, anal, and sexual intercourse. Society today is filled with exposure of sex via the media. Has all this exposure put pressure on the American teenager? Again, it depends on the maturity level, but in some cases it has. A boy that is very close to me confessed that he "didn't think he was a man yet" because he was still a virgin. I guess it's how people interpret the exposure of sex and how much they are exposed to it. I don't like all the exposure, but I have accepted that it is out there and I can't change that.

Sex itself could be classified as a relationship, because it is a connection between two people BUT you don't have to be in a loving relationship to have sex just as much as you don't have to have sex in a loving relationship. Sex and love don't have to be related. In both, you need to accept the responsibility of your actions and accept the consequences. Both can be fun if used correctly.

So evaluate your own maturity level to see if you are ready for love, sex, or both. If you are ready, when you accept the company of a lover or a sexual partner, you are also accepting the risk of getting yourself hurt. I'm not trying to scare you, that's just how it is and you need to accept that. The only one that knows that you're ready is yourself. The decision is yours so think carefully, don't give in to peer pressure, trust your instincts, choose wisely, and enjoy the ride #oKBYe.

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