Episode 33 PART 2 (August 19-25): Be Perfectly Joined Together or The Chastity Talk for Parents and Leaders of Youth

Listen to Episode 33 PART 2 (August 19-25): Be Perfectly Joined Together or The Chastity Talk for Parents and Leaders of Youth here.

or here:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/433X9B4giGFPvfi6Octo6G?si=qz4wXvoZRkSn2r5l2r60FQ
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/savior-said-weekly-musing-observations-on-new-testament/id1447685351?mt=2
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/lexie-austin/the-savior-said-weekly-musings-and-observations-on-the-new-testament

This is Part 2 of Episode 33. Because Paul talks about sexual immorality in 1 Corinthians, I decided it was time to talk a little bit about chastity. I'm talking from my experience of working with thousands of teens in my profession, as a mother of a teenage boy, and just as someone who cares about kids. I talk about the stuff I think we need to be addressing with our kids besides "don't have sex until you're married". Things like consent, sex and technology, using respectful language, and sexual harassment.

These are my own personal opinions and not meant to be any sort of official anything. Just some thoughts I had that I thought others might find helpful.

When I talk to kids and parents about Digital Citizenship, these are some of the resources I use: https://www.symbaloo.com/home/mix/13eP719bSb

The two icons in the middle (above the Google Search box) are the actual presentations I use. You can see a lot of the same stuff I talk about in this episode in those presentations.

Notes used in this episode:

1 Corinthians 6:13, 19-20

13 Now the body is not for afornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body.

19 What? know ye not that your abody is the btemple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your cown?

20 For ye are abought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

From COME FOLLOW ME:

1 Corinthians 6:13–20
My body is sacred.

Most people in Corinth felt that sexual immorality was acceptable and that their bodies were made primarily for pleasure. In other words, Corinth was not that different from the world today. What did Paul teach in 1 Corinthians 6:13–20 that could help you explain to others why you want to live a chaste life?

It might also be interesting to see how Sister Wendy W. Nelson, like Paul, encouraged Saints to be chaste in her talk “Love and Marriage” (Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults, Jan. 8, 2017, broadcasts.lds.org). How do the truths about love and intimacy described by Sister Nelson differ from the world’s messages?

1 Corinthians 6:19–20

Comparing our bodies to temples, as Paul did, can be an effective way to teach about the sacredness of our bodies. Perhaps you could show pictures of temples, such as those that accompany this outline. Why are temples sacred? How are our bodies like temples? What can we do to treat our bodies like temples? (See also “Sexual Purity,” For the Strength of Youth, 35–37.) If possible, go to the temple together or visit the temple grounds; this could enrich your discussion about the sacredness of the temple and of our bodies.

_______


WHO AM I?
-Parent, someone who’s worked with thousands of teens, young womens leader, cares about youth

- WHO AM I NOT? Your child’s parent, an expert, your church leader, or your source of revelation for your family


We need to talk to our kids about sex. Why?


Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System from the CDC
Among U.S. high school students surveyed in 20171

• 40% had ever had sexual intercourse.
• 10% had four or more sexual partners.
• 7% had been physically forced to have sexual intercourse when they did not want to.
• 30% had had sexual intercourse during the previous 3 months, and, of these
• 46% did not use a condom the last time they had sex.
• 14% did not use any method to prevent pregnancy.
• 19% had drunk alcohol or used drugs before last sexual intercourse.

JAMA Pediatrics: 

• One in seven teens report that they are sending sexts
• one in four are receiving sexts,

Covenant Eyes:

• 9 out of 10 boys and 6 out of 10 girls are exposed to pornography online before the age of 18.
• The first exposure to pornography among boys is 12 years old, on average.

_______


The world is talking to our kids about sex...WE need to be talking to our kids about sex too.


It’s more than “don’t have sex until you’re married”


Alma 38:12 (Alma to his son Shiblon) 12 bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love


Chastity is a tricky commandment- don’t but then do???

Sexual Purity from For the Strength of Youth

Definition of Chastity: Do not have any sexual relations before marriage, and be completely faithful to your spouse after marriage.

Physical intimacy between husband and wife is beautiful and sacred. It is ordained of God for the creation of children and for the expression of love between husband and wife. God has commanded that sexual intimacy be reserved for marriage.

*Sex is good, those feelings you’re having are good...they need to be bridled.


*Consent: Treat others with respect, not as objects used to satisfy lustful and selfish desires.


*Sexting: kids are pressuring each other for photos and sending photos unsolicited. It’s actually against the law in Alabama! I see girls doing it for attention from guys. Girls are taught by this world that it’s good to be sexually desirable.


Check cell phones (announced and unannounced)

Check apps (Snapchat, Tik Tok, etc but also Instagram)

No cell phones in bedrooms/bathrooms



*Relationships are more than sex: you need to have vegetables too, not just chocolate cake. “When people care for one another enough to keep the law of chastity, their love, trust, and commitment increase, resulting in greater happiness and unity.” (True to the Faith, (2004), 29).


*The biology of sex: “Remaining sexually pure helps you to be confident and truly happy and improves your ability to make good decisions now and in the future.” (True to the Faith, Sexual Purity).

Oxytocin helps with bonding

Guys and girls have sex for different reasons and this can cause


*Staying away from temptation: Avoid situations that invite increased temptation, such as late-night or overnight activities away from home or activities where there is a lack of adult supervision. Do not participate in discussions or any media that arouse sexual feelings. Do not participate in any type of pornography. The Spirit can help you know when you are at risk and give you the strength to remove yourself from the situation. Have faith in and be obedient to the righteous counsel of your parents and leaders.


*How do I know? Teaching kids to find out for themselves and who to talk to-

Pay attention to the promptings of the Spirit


Homosexual and lesbian behavior is a serious sin. If you find yourself struggling with same-gender attraction or you are being persuaded to participate in inappropriate behavior, seek counsel from your parents and bishop. They will help you.

https://mormonandgay.churchofjesuschrist.org/


*What about unwanted attention and abuse? (#Metoo) Victims of sexual abuse are not guilty of sin and do not need to repent. If you have been a victim of abuse, know that you are innocent and that God loves you. Talk to your parents or another trusted adult, and seek your bishop’s counsel immediately. They can support you spiritually and assist you in getting the protection and help you need. The process of healing may take time. Trust in the Savior. He will heal you and give you peace.


*The Atonement of Jesus Christ is in full effect: If you have committed sexual transgression, talk to your bishop now and begin the process of repentance so that you can find peace and have the full companionship of the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 6:20 20 For ye are abought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.