“You’ve never had sex? Ever?” is a question that constantly comes into the conversation when someone asks about the rings on my left hand.
Paired with a ring that my best friend gave me, my purity ring sits on my finger. This flat band of silver holds three words that mean so much to me, “True Love Waits.”
As a kid, about 11 or 12, my mom brought me to a production called The Silver Ring Thing. Although extravagant, I took away a lesson I would never forget. Sex outside of marriage IS a sin. Now before you get upset and close out of this article, listen closely. I am not looking down on you, nor am I calling anyone in my audience a terrible person if you have had sex outside of marriage. I am writing to tell you that it's not too late to make this commitment of purity.
The Silver Ring Thing was no ordinary production; they talked about the consequences of sex, the outcomes of sex and the beauty of sex within marriage. After the production, they had rings for sale. My mom made a point to buy one for each of her three daughters, and herself.
This symbol, however, is not only to sit and say, “I will abstain from having sex before marriage.” It also says, “I'm choosing to remain pure in my thoughts, in my words and in my actions.”
This ring can be a starting point, or a stopping point. So listen, readers, when I say, it is not too late to change your ways. The Lord always sits with His arms wide, begging for you, His child, to say, “From this moment on, I am choosing to remain pure.” Pure from ugly words, poisonous thoughts and regret filled actions.
Every morning when I put my ring on, I am reminded of the promise I made myself when I was young. This promise has made all the difference in my friendships and relationships. Sure, I am made fun of for being a virgin. The Bible says this, ”Yes, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Sure, there is temptation in my relationships. Yet the Bible says, “he said to them, 'Pray that you will not fall into temptation.'” Therefore, the promise I have made to myself and my Heavenly Father means more to me than a curse word, a porn site or a moment of pleasure.
Because of my promise, I have higher standards for the man that God will bless me with to marry. I have prayed for a man who is also still a virgin because of the promise he decided to make between himself and the Lord. If I have saved myself for my husband, then I will be rewarded with someone who can save himself for me.
If you decide that beginning a pure life is something that is important to you, whether you've lived an impure life or you're just now understanding what purity could do in your heart, I encourage you to pray this to the Lord with a sincere heart...
Father, I know that I am your child, who You fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image. I want to lead a pure life to honor You in my current and future relationships. Forgive me of my past impurities and make me whole and clean again in You. Help me put on the armor of strength and self control when I am tempted. And help me love those who persecute me so that they may see You in me.
In your gracious name, Amen.
It's not to late to choose the path of purity, because true love can, and should, wait.
