Messages for Boys to Consider

Sexual desire is a very strong urge. It only seems to be an overpowering urge.
The sex industry operates on the following premise: If a man will focus only on satisfying sexual desire, proving himself a "man", and looking good in front of others, then the sex industry can make a lot of money.
Each man will be in situations where he can turn off his mind, forget his faith, and just follow his sexual desires, all the while hoping that no negative consequences will develop. A man can, such as Joseph did, keep thinking, count the cost of following his desire, and decide to do something which would keep him from further involvement. Jesus put very severe statements in front of us so that we would consider these matters before proceeding (see Matthew 18).
There is a lot of talk that being sexual whenever the opportunity presents itself is a sign of manliness. Many men will use this to shame other men or confuse them. Self-control, respect for others, long-term consequences are usually not mentioned. A boy is simply put in the position of being a stud or not. This argument falls apart when one thinks of one's sister or mother as being the person who would be used.
A person can get into places or with groups where there seems to be nothing to do but go along with the crowd. Do you want to go there and what can you do to avoid this situation?
Young men who go to strip clubs or download pornography from the Internet will argue this is ok. They have believed the messages of the sex industry. What they haven't noticed is what has happened in the lives of the young women they are using and who is making money by arranging for these young women to be there.
There is a real possibility of developing habits when young which cannot be easily turned off and will result in much agony later in a marriage relationship and in a father's relationship to his children.
An abused young woman may very often be promiscuous or available for money. She is often not aware of how the previous trauma has affected her. One possibility is to respect this person even though she might not respect herself at this point of time. She can be seen as a person of God like Jesus saw the cheating tax collector, Zaccheus.
Like quicksand, the sex industry pulls us gently into a world we are not ready for and which seems at first so comfortable. The harm it can cause is not immediately apparent. When we are anxious or depressed, it is an easy world to turn to. Jesus asks us to be smart and think about outcomes before stepping in. He understands our normal human inclinations will lead us down a wide path towards immediate gratification and long-term destructiveness.
As with young women, many young men are also vulnerable. Fear, taunts, bullying, confusion drive them to follow others. Some are harassed, abused, raped, put down, or are targets of derision. This can lead them to situations of trying to make it on their own in a scary world. To keep going they may feel forced to sell themselves. Shame and lack of options may keep them doing something they never expected. Chemicals may lessen the pain but also drive them to keep doing what they never intended.

Created by Adults Saving Kids Minneapolis, MN (612) 872-0684