PurityWelcome to this important step along your child’s Faith Path. Let’s start by watching this video featuring Laura Gallier, author of Choosing to Wait.
Webster’s Dictionary defines “pure” as: “free from everything that might make dirty, change, or lower the quality; free from sin or guilt.” Purity is much more than refraining from sex or heeding a list of don’ts. It is a positive, passionate existence that frees us to experience all God made us to enjoy. Sadly, our culture bombards kids with opportunities to tarnish their lives, even making fun of those who try to remain clean. How do we help our children go against the norm and live a life filled with the intense joys only purity can bring?
Family Time in Brief
STEP ONE: Clarify the Standard
Psalm 119:9 says “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” While Jesus Christ was the only person to live a life of total purity, He invites us to follow His example by fulfilling the purpose for which we were made. When it comes to purity, our children need to understand that their bodies belong to God first and to their future spouse second. First Corinthians 6:18-21 says “Flee from sexual immorality…your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit…you are not your own…Therefore honor God with your body.”
STEP TWO: Focus on Purity, Not Just Sex
It is vital to emphasize remaining a virgin before marriage. But purity is much more than saying no to premarital sex. There is a current trend in teen culture to define purity as not “going all the way,” while anything else is considered fair game. God desires for us to have much more than “technical virginity” before marriage. He has a great plan for our hearts, minds and actions. Teach your child that purity involves every area of life.
STEP THREE: Give a Positive Vision
Give a positive vision of the purpose and joy of sex in the context of marriage. Nothing gives a child a positive view of God’s design for passion like basking in the love of parents who cherish one another and speak positively about the joys of marital intimacy.
STEP THREE: Give a Positive Vision
Give a positive vision of the purpose and joy of sex in the context of marriage. Nothing gives a child a positive view of God’s design for passion like basking in the love of parents who cherish one another and speak positively about the joys of marital intimacy.
STEP FIVE: Pray for Them
Commit yourself as a parent to cover your child in prayer. Pray specifically for his or her purity in relationships, a clean thought life, integrity in school and other activities. Pray for a heart that is connected to Christ and a mind immersed in God’s Word.
Practical Ideas
Write letters to your child. Share your heart and scripture instead of mere rules. Give them a vision of God’s plan for their lives. Plan a time to talk about the letter after they have read it such as a special breakfast or coffee date. Take time to listen to what they say and try to steer clear of teaching or lecturing.
Have your child write out what they want in a future spouse. As they get closer to dating, have them pull that list out and talk through the potential individuals that they are interested in dating to see if they fulfill that list. Ask the following questions: What would your future spouse want from you in purity? What do you want from your future spouse?
Help your teen solidify a commitment to purity using the My Purity Commitment card linked below. Consider buying them a ring or other item as a symbol of their commitment. Remember this is your child’s decision. Your job is to provide guidance, support and honest conversation.
Use the Purity Checklist linked below to help your child set boundaries and accountability to remain pure.
Your Child’s Next Step
As children get older, they become ready for additional steps along the Faith Path. Set a calendar reminder for your child’s next birthday to return to this page to select their next step.
Thank you for becoming intentional about guiding your child’s faith journey!