Today, I went for theatre class. And being theatre students, we're loud, opinionated and very open. Not always a bad thing... that is, until the discussion topic is dildos and reinforces the idea of sloppy sexual conduct. Not something God is not very for (So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. -Colossians 3:5 NLT). As Christians, yeah, reaching out to people is great. And yes, you may have to find common ground with them in order to open up with them & hear who they really are. But think about it, if your common ground is ungodly, how are you planning on displaying, demonstrating and disseminating what God is, and who Christ is? And what merit will you gain from this kind of acceptance that will not die with you?
I agree that it's a habit that is, as a result of it being "instinctive", very very hard to kick. It doesn't have to be though. God wants to work in your life, and as awkward as it may sound (it really is not), maybe it's time to surrender your sexuality to God and let Him guard it for you. Remember that the Bible says that when you sin sexually, you sin against yourself (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. - 1 Corinthians 6:18 NLT). That's why it's so important to keep yourself pure. In body, in mind, and in what you say and respond to. So if it's a sin against yourself, why not let God, a third party, hold you accountable for it, and guide you in guarding it?
I know, I know.
It's especially hard because here and now, being fifteen (or sixteen, take your pick) means that I'm surrounded by people who are coming to terms with their sexuality and are ready to flaunt and explore it. The media advocates it and the teenagers accept it. It's hard to keep yourself from falling prey to peer pressure.
Again, here's a verse for that.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. - Romans 12:2 NLT
It will be really difficult, but you've got two options...
- Be the one in your group of friends who says, "that's not right", and show your standpoint in the way you behave, dress, and talk.
- Leave the group of friends that isn't helping you in your walk with God, and find a group that is.
And that is true. People need to know your stand. However, if you know that you're not the kind of person who can keep holding on to what you believe in around bad company, then...
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” - 1 Corinthians 15:33
Yeah. Actually, God is more supportive of you leaving that bad company and joining good company. That's because you leaving is enough to show your "bad" friends that you don't agree with them, and it also doesn't hurt your walk with God. In fact, it will strengthen your bond with Him. It's pretty much a win-win situation. Now, I'm not saying that you need to turn this into a soap drama and say "I'm not going to be your friend anymore. I can't deal with you" or anything like that. It just means you distance yourself. If your friends ask why, you can tell them simply and honestly, "I don't agree with your stand on sexuality".
And yes, it will be really really hard. But you know,
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:13
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