When we think in terms of design, we think of a plan and intention of an idea or thing. Everything God established in creation was by design. His design is for purpose and intent and generated from His perfect love.
We can all relate to the anticipation of Christmas morning and opening gifts. We also can agree that even though we think we want to open the gift before Christmas, doing so takes something from the experience. It is the “right” time that makes it so special.
By God’s design He has made us physical and sexual beings; however, He has also given us His purpose and His timing for these within relationships. Virginity is a gift that can only be given away once. God’s design has that within the marriage relationship. Apart from His timing, it becomes a cheapened gift. We as parents will serve our children well to teach them God’s design for relationships and especially for the marriage relationship. Just like opening a Christmas present on Christmas morning, the full beauty of God’s Creation is realized when we adhere to His timetable. Our culture may mock abstinence and purity; however, God rewards it. Solomon, referred to in Scripture as the wisest man that ever lived, had this to say to young people in Ecclesiastes 12:1-6 (NLT):
“Don’t let the excitement of youth cause you to forget your Creator. Honor Him in your youth before you grow old and say, ‘Life is not pleasant anymore.’ Remember Him before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is dim to your old eyes, and rain clouds continually darken your sky. Remember Him before your legs—the guards of your house—start to tremble; and before your shoulders—the strong men—stoop. Remember Him before your teeth—your few remaining servants—stop grinding; and before your eyes—the women looking through the windows—see dimly. Remember Him before the door to life’s opportunities is closed and the sound of work fades. Now you rise at the first chirping of the birds, but then all their sounds will grow faint. Remember Him before you become fearful of falling and worry about danger in the streets; before your hair turns white like an almond tree in bloom, and you drag along without energy like a dying grasshopper, and the caperberry no longer inspires sexual desire. Remember Him before you near the grave, your everlasting home, when the mourners will weep at your funeral. Yes, remember your Creator now while you are young, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken. Don’t wait until the water jar is smashed at the spring and the pulley is broken at the well.”
In other words, God’s instructions are for the young. God’s way is best, always has been and always will be. Hebrews 13:8-9 (NLT): “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace, not from rules about food, which don’t help those who follow them.”
