Just Say "No"
Just Say "No"
But why? That’s a good question. If you don’t know why you should say “no” then it’s not
a very convincing imperative, is it?

Whether it’s drugs, alcohol, or premarital sex that you are being told to abstain from, it is
important for you to know why.

Let’s just center this discussion on sex.

We live in a society that is obsessed with sex—which targets young people with
sexuality at a time when your hormones are raging.

You are being bombarded with messages that encourage you to act on those sexual
impulses. Television, movies, and popular music have promoted a lifestyle free from
sexual restraints. Even the discovery of AIDS hasn’t slowed things down much.

Instead the media promotes something it calls safe sex.

I saw an editorial cartoon in a newspaper once that pictured a young man and his
grandfather. The young man asked, “Grandpa, what did you use back in your day to
promote ‘safe sex’?” Grandpa said, “A wedding ring.”

Ah… there’s a novel thought!

We cannot ignore God’s design for sexual satisfaction. It is confined to—and fully
enjoyed in—marriage, “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled, but
fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” (Hebrew 13:4).

Anyone who thinks that the Bible looks down on sexuality hasn’t read the Bible very
thoroughly. But anyone who thinks that the Bible looks down on casual sexuality outside
of marriage hasn’t read the Bible either.

The popular concept of “safe sex” focuses on the physical consequences—unwanted
pregnancy, venereal disease, and AIDS—without ever considering the even more
damaging emotional, psychological, and spiritual consequences.

Obviously, the Bible speaks candidly and directly about the consequences of premarital
sex. But there are also very practical reasons that help young people know why to say
“no.” If anything, they help to validate Biblical morals. Some people feel that the Bible’s
view of morals is too restrictive—the truth is the Bible’s perspective of morals is
empowering and emancipating. It offers young people freedom.


Armed with the right knowledge, you are capable of making the right choice. Yet,
temptation must still be overcome, because the temptation to sin transcends the
impulse to do the right thing, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his
own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin,
when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15).

Saying “no” may seem expensive—but you are worth it.

--Rob Harbison
(Thoughts borrowed heavily from Teach Them Why to Say “No” by John A. Smith)