INSPIRED BY THE BLIND

Compliments of the season

 This year marked the begining of a lot of things in my life, for instance i began to take my writing more seriously hence this blog and already i am planning my first Anthology of poems which would be released next year.

 well as the year drew to a close it was time to head to kaduna for my yearly outreach programme with the LXG (League of Extraordinary Gifts). however this year was a special year as it was our 10th year anniversary and it was tagged IMMORTALITY...

as God would have it i was in charge of protocol(why am i always in protocol ooo, well sha na so i don take meet many many important people who end up remaining my friends) and on the morning of the show(dec 29th) my phone rang, 

grrring grring... 'hello' i quipped

'toffy, our special guest has arrived' shouted ope

'ok' i'll go pick him.'

and i headed to meet up the special guest. 

 i got to the car and there he was... i was finally face to face for the first time ever with famous Nigerian producer and gospel artiste, 

Cobhams Asuquo.

we had been talking on phone so as soon as he heard my voice he hailed me and we hugged(yes hugged, i was pleasantly shocked. so celebrities still hug peeps they meet for the first time?) well we made little talk and my team whisked him to the new council lodge(one of the most exotic lodges in Alheri camp reserved for VVIP guests and Executive council pastors). i don't know what i expected to see but i was awed by the way he moved, carried himself about and joked. at some point i discreetly went to pass my hand around his face to be sure he was really blind.

his fluidity in movement was one to be envied. however my greatest shock was still to come when we talked about internet connection and i fumbled with my android, next thing i know he whipped out an ipad, opened it, and began to operate, looking for wifi. and he pronounced with surety few seconds before my android told me same 'no network within range'. i almost blurted out. how do you do that sir? years of exercising self control kept my mouth shut.

he joked with his friend silver saadi(another musician) about how Alheri camp always gets one fat and he reminisced about the first LXG programme he attended in the year 2004. he was only in his early 20's then and God had brought him thus far since then. after making sure they were settled in properly, i begged to take my leave and then i got the third shocker for the day.

 actually he was to come with his wife and son and i had made bookings and paid for them, seeing only him and his friend i kinda felt this tweak inside(yeepa money don waste ooo...) but cobhams apologised that they couldn't make it and he didn't stop there, on his way down he had stopped at the airline counter, stopped the ticket, placed it open. and informed the airline that we would be needing a refund, a slip for refund was printed out and he handed it over to me saying he couldn't allow our money go to waste.

at this point i couldn't stop the tears from flowing through my eyes, here was someone who had not only made up his mind to conquer his disabilities but also has refused to allow success get into his head...

later on as he led the assembled crowd in worship, i could not but stand in awe of God who continually uses the foolish things of the world to confuse the wise. 

barely 30 minutes with him and i had been so inspired i wondered why i had never met him beforehand. i'll highlight a few points from the boss himself

Do not Excuse Failure, for any reason on any account

Focus is in itself Blindness

there are more lessons i learnt from him before he departed but those are quite personal and i'll play them close to my chest for now... well i'm back in lagos now and preparing for an awesome crossover service. i'll see you all in the new year.
God Bless.

N.B (whispers) Cobhams will be releasing his Album early next year... stay tuned

THE REASON FOR THE SEASON 1

Compliments of the season people of God, it’s a few days to Christmas and already celebrations are in high gear, lot’s to eat and drink and people travelling here and there, we celebrate with our families and have fun all the way. As much as it is good to bask in this season, it is also a time for reflection and deep thinking. Many of us celebrate without knowing the Reason for the Season.

I took the liberty to ask a few people what Christmas means to them and the answers I got scared me. To some Christmas is a time to have fun and be merry, to children it is a time to see father Christmas and collect gifts, to some it’s a period where their business booms and they make twice the normal profit on their goods and services, sadly, only very few people remember that’s it’s a period set apart to celebrate the birth of Jesus (yes we know he wasn’t born in December, but we have chosen that date to celebrate him nevertheless).

Christmas is first and foremost about Jesus and then it is about you. If we have chosen dec 25^th to celebrate the birth of Christ then it is time we began to actually celebrate him on that day and not just concentrate on having fun without Jesus Christ.

The next question is why was Jesus born? The bible makes us to understand that Jesus was born to save his people from their sin, in other words he came to reconcile man back to God. If Jesus was born for your sake, then it means the reason for Christmas is you. Not just you but your salvation brought about by the birth of Jesus Christ.

Finally the big question; how do we celebrate Christmas? Christmas is indeed a time for celebration but knowing the reason for the season we should take care in order not to grieve the spirit of God in our actions. If you were celebrating your birthday you don’t do things that will make u cry, instead everyone does things to make you happy. You are made the centre of the day and everything revolves around you. Same it should be if we decide to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ. Let all we do reflect him and make him happy.

So this season I encourage you to have three attitudes:

1.       I want you to feel special because Jesus Christ came specifically because of you. He had you in mind when he came and that’s why you are saved today.

 

2.       I want you to extend a hand of fellowship to the unsaved in other to give Christmas a meaning to them also.

 

3.       Show love by giving in any measure you can to friends, family, strangers and especially the needy.

God bless you.

MMERRY CHRISTMAS IN ADVANCE

RECIPE 1 (THE MAGIC INGREDIENT!)

i learnt long ago of a word that many people tend to forget to say when in situations with their partners. in face it has been widely rumoured that the refusal to say these words can be one of the singular reasons we have so many broken relationships.

"I'M SORRY" some persons refer to it as the Magic wand in a relationship or the magic word, if there ever was to be any combination of words that keeps a relationship on the right part it is these two

"I'M SORRY". You can't be too proud not to say it when you are guilty and even in occasions when you are not guilty say it still it doesn't reduce your pedestal or personality. Study has shown (don't ask me by whom, where or when ooo) that majority of times when hurt people listen to "I'M SORRY" it doesn't matter if you hear words like I would never do it again or that's the last time or many other words of repentance, the simplicity of these two words usually provides comfort for the grieving/hurt/wronged person.

now a quick one to some people who would say but i didn't do anything wrong? but your partner feels grieved/hurt/wronged right? it still doesn't mean, you need to learn to use the magic words. You and I know saying I am sorry or apologizing for something you did not do hurts but say it anyway if that's the sacrifice you give to keep your relationship going then its worth it, saying it wouldn't take away your dignity.(or would it? i seriously doubt. but if it does then you need to do some growing up and fast!)

however, If you are guilty then you must be ready to say "I AM SORRY " as many times as possible until your mate gets to reason with you. 

No relationship is flawless, so don't expect too much just pray to God in hoping for the best for you and your partner and prepare your heart to forgive when the worst arises.

note that some people might not be able to come all out and say the words but resort to buying cards or gitf items, well, to me if your spouse takes you to a beach and you see this written on the sand by the seashore... i think he has said it well enough(maybe he's too shy to talk. lolz)

FACT

(A soft answer turneth away wrath.)

GODLY RELATIONSHIP RECIPE

Relationships and sex happen to be the most talked about topics in today's world especially amongst youth circles, and yet there is still so much shadow surrounding these issues. like i always maintain, a relationship should lead towards marriage and if that's not the plan then i wonder at the purpose of the relationship.

many peeps just wanna have fun and move on... if you're in that category you can politely take your leave, but for those who really wanna do things God's way then you're welcome to this Series, over the next few weeks we'll be examining receipies for a Godly relationship and how we can make our relationship blossom into an expected end(marriage)

first things first

introductory recipe

There is a difference between getting in a relationship and getting on it. 

Remember the word " IN" and " ON". 

Once you are in a relationship the mentality that you are in it with someone helps you understand that you can no longer take decisions on your own, the idea of "self" is now obsolete, everything you do will have to carry the word "Us". Its not totally about you any more. When you are getting on a relationship the mentality differs, because its like riding on a bike, the rider is in charge so also it is with getting on a relationship. The idea is that its all about you, you are the special one either because of your looks, your brain or your wealth and money either way you are in total control. People who ride on their relationship sometimes do it on purpose because its a part of who they are or unknowingly because do not know themselves well and such people don't know they are bossy or controlling as well. Getting on a relationship means you mount them, grab them by the hair, and start kicking the relationship on the sides until you get What you want. Jesus got in a relationship with His disciples, this is the reason the soldiers couldn't differentiate Him from them during the arrest. Get in a relationship today not on it so your spouse can be your equal not your servant. 

Fact

EPISTLE... ACCORDING TO EFFIZEY

LONG AGO MY PARENTS WOULD BEAT 'nonsense' OUT  OF ME FORCING ME TO READ MY BIBLE. INFACT IN OUR HOUSE IT GOT TO A POINT THAT TO GET EXTRA FOOD YOU NEEDED TO COME UP WITH MEMORY VERSES.  (so the size of your food depended on the verses of scripture you could quote. u go fear as me and my siblings turn bible scholars na. even some pastors nor fit match me at age 8. me wey i like food...

till today i still remember those memory verses.) 
HOWEVER  AS I GREW UP I DISCOVERED THAT SCRIPTURES HAVE A WORD IN SEASON AND FOR EVERY PART OF THE BIBLE THERE IS SOMETHING TO BE LEARNT. SO I SAT BACK AND FOUND OUT THAT...

Whatever is in Matthew, Matters a lot, 

Whatever is in Mark, Mark it down,

 Whatever is in Luke; Look at it properly, 

Whatever is in John; Join them to do it. 

Whatever is in Acts; Act like that, 

The book of Romans teaches you to romance with the Holy Spirit,

Corinthians should not be left for only the Choristers, 

Galatians should be chewed like sweet Gala, 

Ephesians should be eaten like spicy Fish, 

Philippians should be Felt from the whole of your being,

Colossians teaches you it is okay to 'Colo' for Christ, 

Thessalonica teaches the importance of Testimonials, 

Timothy teaches to join a Team in church, 

Titus teaches us to Tighten our hold on God, 

Philemon is not as bitter as Lemon, 

Hebrews can be Brewed like your cup of daily coffee, 

James is not about Games, 

Peter would help you when you're in the Pit, 

Once again whatever is in John, Join them to do it,

 Jude should be followed Judiciously, 

And as for #Revelation, 

Jehovah Effizey will reveal it unto you.

I BELIEVE

I believe-

That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe-

That just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I believe-

That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe-

 That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive you

I believe-

That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe-

That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other, And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe-

That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I believe-

That two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe-

That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe-

That even when you think you have no more to give, when a  friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

HOW I WOOED HER(the bible way)

BEFORE YOU READ THIS MY WONDERFUL ACCOUNT OF HOW I SCOPED MY BABE, WHEN YOU FINISH DON'T LET ME HEAR QUESTIONS LIKE WHO IS SHE FROM ALL OF YOUR MOUTHS OOO? MUST YOU KNOW EVERYTHING?

Minister Effizey: Do you have a boyfriend?
Girl: Nope;I don’t want to have a boyfriend.
 Minister Effizey: Gen. 2:18 The Lord God said,“It is not
good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Girl: But I don’t love you.
 Minister Effizey: 1 John 4:8 “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Girl: And how do I know you mean those words?
 Minister Effizey: Matthew 12:34 “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”
Girl: But how can I be sure that you’re loyal and honest?
Minister Effizey: Mark 13:31 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
Girl: But why me? There are a lot of girls out there!
Minister Effizey: Proverbs 31:29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Girl: But what is in me that you like?
  Minister Effizey: Song of Solomon 4:7 “You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you.”
Girl: But I’m not all that beautiful…you ‘re exaggerating.
Minister Effizey: Proverbs 31:30 “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Girl: What happens if I say yes?
Minister Effizey: Genesis 2:24 “Therefore man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
Girl: How come you know the scriptures this much?
Minister Effizey: Joshua 1:8 ” This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous and you will have good success.”
Girl: wooow, I can see u really love God.
Minister Effizey: Psalm 34:8 “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.
Girl: hmmmh! Ok please give me time to think about it.
Minister Effizey: Philippians 4:8 “Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think
about these things.”
Girl: aw! I love you already
Minister Effizey: Revelation 22:21 “Amen!”

NIGERIA

Someone asked a question and the answer made me cry...

Someone posted it on Facebook and i kinda wept...

He asked, what do you get when you add no light, no water and no president?

Ans; Nigeria.

We claim to be the giant of Africa yet we can't even boast of light,

We blame our leaders but the average citizen isn't better

Are we waiting to be colonized again?

This year we celebrated our 53rd anniversary, of corruption?

How long are we going to wallow in self pity and shame...

Few years ago we sent the Ghanaians packing, with the popular slogan 'GHANA MUST GO'. Now we're on the verge of being kicked out of Ghana.

No universities... Did u say i lie?with children sitting at home for how many months? Okay sure there are private universities for the children of the rich,,,and the rest? Left to suffer?

A country that can't train its youths is heading for destruction.

We complain of armed robbery but we won't put the youths to work.

The child sent home from school today for failure to pay fees is the potential gun totting criminal of tomorrow,,,

back to our leaders and people we look up to, Do we have role models or rough models?

Everyone wants to travel abroad, we've been so disgraced we have to be stripped naked to be searched at international airports,

I weep how i weep for Nigeria.

A 53 year old baby, and dying of a terminal disease,

The average 14 year old girl is carrying an unwanted pregnancy,

The average 17 year old male is a gun totting criminal.

Our musicians sing only of the rot of the nation,

The average American wakes up in the morning and says God bless America. The average Nigerian wakes up with curses on the lips for Nigeria...

A 3 year old child is already an abusive violent person

A 22 year old man is the street drunk...

Our leaders we say are looters but when given opportunity to head organizations we do our own share of looting...

When someone brings an idea to move the nation forward, we criticize until the person gives up, if the person doesn't, we assassinate...

We complain of the militants in the Niger-delta, we blame oil companies, did they establish themselves? Don't they pay royalties to the host state?

 we complain of boko-haram in the north, did they drop from the skies? are they not people's parents, husbands, wives, children?

I end on this note, i still believe in Nigeria, we can be great again, we will be great again if all and sundry can decide to change the nation by first of all changing themselves...

Bishop FEB Idahosa II would always say; be the change you want to see. a drop of good might not change the world, but it sure would change someone's world.

THE CONDUCTOR'S LETTER

IT'S A LONG ONE BUT I BET THIS IS WORTH

EVERY BIT OF UR TIME.

LETTER FROM A LAGOS CONDUCTOR, TO A DEAR

PASSENGER

Dear Friend,
Do not be surprised that I am writing you, especially after our last encounter. I know that I
do not come across to you as someone who can put words to paper, but like a wise man once
said "Your tenses and verbs do not all have to agree for you to pass a message; you only need
to have something to say, that won't stay unsaid".

You have no idea how it feels, when you look at me the way you do, when you shout on me for
your change and call me all sorts of names. See, I’ve developed a hard shell to ward off your
vituperation. There, that's a word you didn't think I had, right? See, I went to primary
school, and read a couple of those story books. I also read the papers every morning while I
wait for my driver to shack Ogogoro at Iya Lateef's kiosk at the park. My English is not so
bad. Don't worry, I won’t mess this up. So this hard shell that I’ve developed, it wasn't always
there you know, when I started this job, I went home depressed day after day, because of those
things you said to me. They made me feel worthless.

But I am not writing this letter to accuse you or anything of sorts. You are human too, just like Iam, and we all have our weaknesses. I bear no grudge against you. I simply want to set the record straight. I want you to stop for a moment, and get a glimpse of my world. Thisjob is hard, and if I had a better choice, I wouldn't be doing it, but, like they say "When the desirable is not available, the available becomes desirable". I wanted to be a doctor, please don't laugh at me. I would have made it if Papa hadn't abandoned my mother when I was 14. He left her for Fatimah, a woman that sold food close to his work place. He was a railway worker. His pay was not much but it was enough to take care of his wife and three children. At least we never went to school hungry, and we ate rice with meat every Sunday. He used to buy Suya every evening, and on few occasions, we even killed a ram. Papa would call all our neighbours and we'd all eat together and be
happy. He was that kind of man.

It all started one night when he came home late, reeking of alcohol. Mama confronted him and he beat her, he beat her in front of us. Everything changed after that. His late night home-comings intensified, and the quarrels acquired a new dimension. He'd beat Mama, and after that, he'd rape her in our presence. We were kids, we couldn't do anything. We just cried and cried and begged him not to hurt our mother but he did anyway. One night, he wanted to hit her with a stick, and I held him back, it took all the courage in me to do that, but I did. I held him by the legs, and we both toppled to the ground. He was shouting and threatening to kill us all, and my mother and sisters kept on crying and pleading with me to let him go, but I held on to him, until our neighbors intervened. He stopped paying our school fees after that, stopped bringing money for food. He became a stranger.
One night he didn't come back. We had left the door open thinking that he would come back later in the night but when we woke up in the morning, his place on the sofa was empty. We waited for one week, two weeks, two months, still no sign of him, until one day, Mama's customer at the market told her that she saw
her husband at Fatimah's house. They were now living together and he seemed happy to her she said.

Mama was devastated but she didn't show it.She is a strong woman. She bore it all in silence, and never complained. Her small income from her petty trade was not enough to pay the rent and feed us, let alone send us to school. I had to stop going to school to help her with family responsibilities. At 14, I had become a man, and I had to take care of my mother. My uncle said that when he visited one Sunday. "kunle, you are now a man, you hear me, you are now a man, you have to start taking care of your mother and little sisters".
Baba Seyi, our neighbor owned a bus. One evening, I heard him telling my Mama that his conductor made away with his money, that he couldn't trust any of these boys anymore and that he was considering selling the bus to go into Hemp business. I heard there is money there now, he said. I heard Mama strongly advise him against such illegal business. It would land you in prison, she said.

When he left, I went to mama, and told her that I would like to join Baba Seyi as his conductor. I would make a lot of money, and she and my siblings wouldn't have to suffer anymore. At first she was hesitant. She said it was too risky and that conductors were touts. No, that wasn't her dream for her son. I was going to be a doctor. You will be a doctor, eh Kunle, you hear me? You will be a doctor! Olorun a ran wa lo wo. (God will help us)You hear?
Yes Mami.
I joined Baba seyi anyway and lied to him that Mama had given her consent. When I came home with my first five hundred Naira, Mama was overjoyed. She danced around the room and praised me. Okomi,(my husband) she said, God will bless you.
We didn't have the discussion again. I was now employed as a conductor. At first I was polite to passengers, but I soon discovered that politeness isn't a virtue in this job. Many of them stalled on paying for their fares, until you forgot and they alighted. Several times I had to fill in with my own money, because Baba Seyi would not hear of a missing penny. So I put my buttocks down and learnt the trade. I learned to feign my voice, to make it croaky and hoarse. I learned to squeeze my face, to give myself this unattractive and
dangerous look. I learnt to hop in and out of moving vehicles, to shout the hell out of any passenger intent on dulling my hustle, to fight any over-ambitious Agbero. I learnt them all. I toughened my skin, because in this our job, you are either on top of your game or you are out.

I am not always like this. What you see in the bus is just a front. At home I am the sweetest person you'd ever meet. I have to be like this to keep my job. So when I shout on you, and call you all sorts of names, do not take it personal. You would help matters if you gave me your fare when I ask for it and learned to be a little bit patient with me when I’m still looking for change to give you. Sometimes I may forget or you may
forget, and I have to be honest, at times I pray that you do, because when you forget your change, My driver won't know about it. The money goes into my pocket. However when you want to remind me of your change, please be polite, you are supposed to be the civilized person.

I apologize for the other day, I didn't mean to call you an Olofofo, but you pushed me, you pushed me. Was it my fault that you entered with 1000 naira? You heard me saying "500, 1000 no enter o", but you entered anyway, and when I could not find change to give you, you started abusing me. I forgive you. I know it’s hard sometimes, this Lagos traffic. It can get to you in ways you can't imagine. See, we don't have to be this way, you and I. We aren't enemies. After all without you I wouldn't have this job, and without me, well, I won’t say you wouldn't be able to move around, but I make it a lot easier for you. We need each other.

See this letter as a kind of white flag, and if you can, share it with your friends, I cannot write to everyone. I have to continue my hustle. I just hope I have been able to say something worth saying, I don't know. All I know is that these words that I have so painstakingly written to you wouldn't have stayed unsaid. They would have burned a crater in my heart, and found a way out anyway. I do feel a lot better. Write to me if you can. I'd like to hear your side of the story.
This is mine.
Yours
Kunle, the Lagos conductor

FATAL FATE 3

She got back inside the house expecting to meet him downstairs

She believed he would have heard gunshots

She climbed up the stairs thinking of how to attack

She was about to open the door again when she heard someone banging the door

She rushed downstairs to check who it was

She was a bit relieved when she saw that it was his neighbor

She told him she heard the gunshots too

She said  she thinks it’s from the next compound

She locked the door and headed back to the room

She was still surprised that he hasn’t left the room

She thought of how caring her sister had been to her

She remembered how concerned she was for her wedding

She opened the door and behold……………….

FATAL FATE 2

She got to the passage still trying to believe her eyes

She thought of all the promises they’ve made to each other

She remembered when he said  ”I will never cheat on you”

She paused and asked herself  ”has my eyes deceived me?”

She continued moving ready to shoot anybody

She was about to open the door when she heard someone entering from downstairs

She hid the gun in her skirts and headed for the stairs

She was shocked when she heard “hello baby am home”

She burst down the stairs to find out who it was

She was shocked when she saw his secretary

She fired 2 shots at her without asking any question

She dragged her lifeless body to the garage trying to be unnoticed

• She headed back inside again to vent out her disappointment……

10 Reasons Not To Have Sex Outside Of Marriage

Reason 1

In the seventh of God’s Ten Commandments, he instructs us not to have sex with anyone other than our spouse. It is clear that God forbids sex outside of marriage. When we obey God, he is pleased. He honors our obedience by blessing us.

Deuteronomy 28:1-3

Quote

If you fully obey the LORD your God … [he] will set you high above all the nations on earth. All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God …(NIV) God has a reason for giving us this command. First and foremost, he knows what’s best for us. By obeying him, we trust God to look out for our best interests.

Reason #2 – We Won’t Miss Out on the Blessing of the Wedding Night

There’s something very special about a couple’s first time. In this physical act the two become one flesh. Yet it is more than just physical oneness — a spiritual union takes place. God planned for this exclusive experience of discovery and pleasure to happen only within the intimacy of marriage. If we don’t wait, we miss out on a very special blessing from God.

1 Corinthians 6:16: Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture,

Quote

“The two become one.” Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us more lonely than ever—the kind of sex that can never “become one.”

(The Message)

Reason #3 – We Will Be Spiritually Healthier

 

If we live as carnal or fleshly Christians, we will seek to gratify the desires of the flesh and live only to please ourselves. If we live this way, the Bible says we cannot please God. We will be miserable under the weight of our sin. As we continue to feed our fleshly desires, our spirit will grow weak and our relationship with God will be destroyed. Complacency with sin leads to worse sin, and eventually, spiritual death.

Romans 8:8,13:

Quote

Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God. For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live

…(NIV)

Reason #4 – We Will Be Physically Healthier

This one is a no-brainer. If we refrain from sex outside of marriage, we will be protected from the risk of catching sexually transmitted diseases.

 

1 Corinthians 6:18:

 

Quote

Run from sexual sin! No other sin so clearly affects the body as this one does. For sexual immorality is a sin against your own body.

(NLT)

Reason #5 – We Will Be Emotionally Healthier

One reason God tells us to honor marriage and keep the marriage bed pure has to do with baggage. We carry baggage into our sexual relationships. Memories from the past, emotional scars and unwanted mental images can defile our thoughts and make the marriage bed less than pure. Certainly God can forgive the past, but that doesn’t mean we’re free from the baggage that can linger in our minds.

Hebrews 13:4:

Quote

Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral

.(NIV)

Reason #6 – We Will Show Consideration for Our Partner’s Well-Being

If we put our partner’s needs above our own and consider their spiritual well-being, we’ll be compelled to wait for sex. We, like God, will want what’s best for them.Ephesians 5:2

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.(NLT)

Philippians 2:3:

Quote

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves

; (NASB)

Reason #7 – Waiting is a Test of True Love

Love is patient. That’s about as simple as it gets. We can learn the sincerity of our partner’s love by their willingness, or lack thereof, to wait.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5:

Quote

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking

…(NIV)

Reason #8 – We Will Have No Negative Consequences to Deal With

There are always consequences to sin. Some of those effects can be devastating. An unwanted pregnancy, a decision to have an abortion or place a child for adoption, broken relationships with family and friends — these are just a few of the possible outcomes we face when we choose to have sex outside of marriage. We should be sure to consider the snow ball effect of sin. And what if the relationship does not last? Hebrews 12:1 shows that sin hinders our lives and easily entangles us. We will be much better off if we avoid these negative consequences.

Reason #9 – We Will Keep Our Christian Testimony Intact

We don’t set a very good example of godly living when we disobey God. The Bible says in 1 Timothy 4:12 to “be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” (NIV)

In Matthew 5:13 Jesus compares his followers to “salt” and “light” when we represent him in the world. When we no longer shine the light of Christ, when we lose our Christian testimony, we lose our “saltiness.” In other words, we become flavorless and bland. We lose our ability to attract the world to Christ. Luke 14:34-35 puts it strongly, saying that salt without saltiness is worthless, not even fit for the manure pile.

 

Reason #10 – We Won’t Settle For Less Than God’s Perfect Will

When we choose to have sex outside of marriage, we settle for less than God’s perfect will — for ourselves and for our partner. And if we do this, we don’t know what we might end up with. Perhaps we’ll end up in a miserable marriage.

So, here’s some food for thought: If your partner wants sex before marriage, consider this as a warning sign about their spiritual condition. If you are the one who wants sex before marriage, consider this as a warning sign of your own spiritual condition.