Teenagers sometimes wonder.
They always tell us we shouldn't become sexually
involved, but they never tell us the limits.
What are the limits?
The problem with this question is that some people think if
they can identify certain limits, that they can still
get as close to those limits as possible and still be OK.
But like floating down a river without knowing about a
waterfall ahead, trying to get close to the limits is not a
very smart idea.
Consider this analogy.
The story is told of a military pilot who flew his
airplane near a forested area.
Now the military had a rule that said pilots should not
fly their planes close of the trees.
It's pretty obvious why.
One wrong move and you would crash your airplane.
So instead of trying to see how close to the trees he
could get, this pilot set a rule for himself that he would
stay at least 500 feet above the trees.
In this way, he kept himself much safer.
Just as a pilot can crash into the trees, we know that
emotional damage and other problems come from sharing
physical intimacies is outside of marriage.
So instead of trying to ask what are the limits, we should
follow standards that will keep us safe.
For the Strength of Youth provides
this valuable standard--
before marriage do not do anything to arouse the
powerful emotions that must be expressed only in marriage.
In addition, from the Strength of Youth, list some specific
things we should not do.
It says do not participate in passionate kissing, lie on top
of another person, touch the private, sacred parts of
another person's body with or without clothing, or allow
anyone to do that to you.
Now if those things are like flying in the trees, then what
might be like flying 500 feet above the trees?
Here's one idea that could be helpful.
Only do things you would feel comfortable doing in the
presence of your parents, For example, a 15-year-old could
ask, is it OK for me to hold hands?
But maybe the question should be, would I hold hands in
front of my parents?
You can set standards that will help you stay pure.
Elder Richard G. Scott said quote, firmly establish
personal standards.
Choose a time of deep spiritual reflection when
there is no pressure on you, and you can confirm your
decisions by impressions that will come to you from the Holy
Ghost. Decide then what you will do and what you will not
do to express feelings.
The spirit will guide you.
Then, do not vary from those decisions, no matter how right
it may seem when the temptation comes, end quote.
Consider talking with your parents or leaders about your
standards, and seek their additional guidance.
Pray and ask Heavenly Father about the standards you have
set for yourself.
When you feel the Holy Ghost confirming your standards, you
will have greater power to live them.
Now let's review what we've discussed.
Profits have clearly taught us how we can stay sexually pure.
They have given us this standard--
before marriage do not do anything to arouse the
powerful emotions that must be expressed only in marriage.
Just as a wise pilot keeps himself far above the trees,
we should not even get close to sin.
You can pray and talk with God about personal standards that
you set for yourself.
Take the time you need to really be
guided by the Spirit.
Once you set clear standards, never deviate from them.
And don't let what's happened in the past
control your future.
If you stray from the path, you can return.
In a world that's full of temptation, it can be
challenging to stay virtuous.
But it's worth it.
When you obey God's commandment to be sexually
pure, you prepare yourself to make and keep sacred covenants
in the Temple.
You prepare yourself to build a strong marriage and to bring
children into the world as part of a loving family.
When we look at the big picture, it's easy to realize
that it's worth it keep God's commandment
to be sexually pure.
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