I’ve been married to my wife for 34 years. I have never been with another woman. I don’t say that to brag. I just want you to know, by God’s grace, it can be done. I intend to be faithful to my wife for as long as I live.

Sometimes, it seems like the days of purity before marriage are over. Cohabitation before marriage is at an all-time high. Faithfulness in marriage is not held in high regard like it once was. Some wonder if it can be done. I can tell you for sure, it can be done. And it is worth it.

My motivation for sexual purity is driven by several key commitments. First, I have made a commitment to sexual purity because I love Jesus Christ. I owe him everything. He gave his life for me. I love him. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

I made this commitment because I love my wife and kids. I cannot imagine inflicting the kind of pain caused by infidelity on the people I love the most.

I have made this commitment because I love the church. I would never want to say or do anything that would harm the witness of the church, hinder our ministry or hurt the cause of Christ.

And finally, I have made this commitment because I fear the judgment of God. There is a healthy fear of God that seems to be all but absent with people today.

Sin has consequences. Its impact is broader than you might think. You don’t go down this path and get away with it. You may think you do, but you don’t. A man will reap what he sows.

One day, you will stand before God, and you will have to explain why you chose to do what he plainly told us not to do. Hebrews 13:4 tells us “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.”

There is a growing perception that immorality is the norm of the day. I feel compelled to uphold God’s holy standard and remind people that it can still be done.

God will enable us to live the life he has called us to live. You don’t have to go the way of the crowd. You can choose a better path. God will give you the strength and resolve to do it.

You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].