Sex in Adolescence: What is true and what isn't?

Everyone has sexual desires - the natural desire to be intimate with someone of the opposite gender. It's probably strongest as a young person - when your body gets mature sexually.

However, sexual desires are not meant to lead you into sexual immorality, which is the act of satisfying one's sexual desire with a person that one is not married to. They are meant to be kept under control with God's help. That is very possible, and this pleases God.

What are some common misconceptions that secondary school students hold about sex that encourage them to engage in it without being ripe for it?

1. "Once my body desires to touch a girl or a boy for my sexual pleasure, I must give in."

That's not true. There's a virtue called self control, dear friend. 

By the grace of God, you can abstain. Trust Him for this. You are not a debtor to do everything your body desires, and you can say no by God's help. Derive pleasure from pleasing God; that's true pleasure. Pre-marital sex is actually a fading pleasure that does you no good, rather, it displeases Your Maker.

2. "My classmates are doing it, so I should do it."

Not at all! Peer pressure is one strong factor that pulls secondary school students to do things they ordinarily would not do. Certainly, you can say no, and for your own good. Do not be pushed to follow the crowd to do evil, remember that one with God is a majority. Also, there are classmates of yours that are abstaining, and saving themselves of the regrets associated with sexual immorality. Be in that good company!

3. "Whatever gives me pleasure now is good for me." 

Nope. Many times, a child who does not know left from right may want to derive pleasure from playing with fire or drinking anything it fancies, but it could well be poison, and the fire will certainly burn the child if he is not restrained. 

Without realizing it, many people have hurt themselves with enduring hurts, just by giving in to unchecked desires for pleasure. Please do not let it be you, let the grace of God restrain you!

4. "It's not possible for a girl to get pregnant the first time."

It is possible. As long as both persons are mature for reproduction, it is possible to get a teenage pregnancy the first time. Beware, and wait until you are ripe for it - till marriage. God in His wisdom, designed sexual intercourse to only occur between a married couple. 

5. "Sexual immorality is only sexual intercourse." 

No. Apart from sexual intercourse, many activities like "rocking" a lady, touching or looking at sensitive parts of another's body for pleasure, sitting on a guy's lap, and indecent seductive dressing, are forms of sexual immorality, which God hates.

6. "People liking me or being interested in my body is what gives me value."

That's a big lie. What gives you value is that you have been created by God to mirror His image and likeness, and through Jesus Christ, that reality can be restored.

 People who are interested in your body as an object of their pleasure, actually disrespect the value of your body.

How about tips 7 - 10?! Can you actually do without the attention of that boy you like, or the girl who likes you?! If you do not have a boyfriend or girlfriend, are you missing out? Find out in the next article!