My Son,
As you
prepare to go away to college, I thought I should warn you about some
things the devil will use to attack you. Please do not think this is all
he will do (remember 1 Peter 5:8), but I believe there are three
areas in which he will attack with the most effort, and I wanted to
offer advice on how to deal with each one.
The Temptation to Sin
Sexually
At
college, there will be more young women your age than you have ever
known. A great many of them will dress provocatively, and indeed, many
of them will have already been sexually active. Some of them, confused
by such cultural phenomena as "Sex in The City," will promote the myth
of "casual sex," the idea that sex is not a big deal, and can be engaged
in without thought to consequences, particularly to the soul.
As I said,
the idea is a myth. Besides the dangerous and troubling physical
consequences of such action, there are eternal consequences that make
this a matter of grave importance. From the beginning, sex was given by
God to married couples, both for procreation (Gen. 1:28) and for
pleasure (Song of Solomon). It is a significant part of the "one flesh"
relationship designed for marriage. Outside of marriage, Paul says it is
the only sin that one commits "against his own body" (1 Cor. 6:18).
In
addition, there is great joy to be found in remaining pure until
marriage. Being able to present yourself to your bride in a pure way is
one of the greatest wedding gifts you can give her, and I hope you will
make it your goal.
The Temptation to Sin
with Alcohol
Among the
biggest temptations facing college students away from home is the
temptation to use alcohol. Many will tell you that alcohol is harmless,
or that "one little drink is not going to hurt you." There are several
things I would have you consider.
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