Purity vow ceremonies and calls for abstinence are awesome! However, statistics show that 6 out of 10 people who make a vow of purity give up on it. That's a problem!
Here's what I know about teens and Christians singles who make a vow of purity (and I should know because I lived with one in place for a ridiculously long time!):
Making a vow of purity won’t stop them from being attracted to someone. It won’t stop their hormones from raging. It won’t stop people from being attracted to them, it won't stop them from being tempted to watch porn to deal with sexual urges, and it certainly won’t stop them from being tempted to go back on their promise, when they meet that person who’s “just soooo perfect" --- at least for today anyway. Most of the people around them are not living with a vow in place, and there isn't hardly anyone around them who knows what they're going through, and how to help them deal with the challenges they will face as a Christian trying to live with a purity vow in a world where casual sex is the norm, and film, TV, songs and ads are just dripping with sexual content.
As leaders and parents, it's our job to show them how to navigate the obstacle course and WIN! I believe in being proactive. If you know the issues ahead of time...if you know where the landmines are...you're less likely to step on one. I focus on helping them understand how real and compassionate Christ is to their issues. I help them understand that Christ never calls them to any standard that He won't help them accomplish through His strength, and that through candid and completely honest communication to Him about their feelings and challenges, they can overcome everything that will be thrown at them while they seek to live a life of purity. This lies at the core of every practical tip. I also focus on self-examination and the importance of a season of purity, and fulfilling purpose. For more info, feel free to connect! No event is too small. If someone is making a vow, I want to talk to 'em! Because I know we can turn the stats around!
