At the conclusion of a student program a 17-year-old boy said he disagreed with the concept of sexual abstinence until marriage. He explained, "Sex before marriage is like buying a car. No one in his right mind would buy a car without test driving it first. And a guy would be crazy to marry a woman without making sure the sex was going to be good."
 
I couldn't help but feel sorry for this young man's future wife. How degrading to think of your wife as a possession with the sole purpose of bringing satisfaction to the owner. What happens to a new car once it's driven off the lot? Immediately, it begins to lose value and is considered used. Have we actually evolved to the point of comparing the most intimate relationship between a man and a woman to that of buying an automobile?
 
 Sure a man would be a fool to buy a car without taking her for a spin. See how she performs. Check under her hood. Make sure she's in good working order and all the parts are there. Rev up her engine. Race her down the highway. Honk her horn. Slam on her breaks. Kick her tires. After all, buying a car is a big deal. It costs lots of money, and he will probably have this car for several years before he trades her in on a newer model . . .  But a woman is not a car.
 
A woman should be thought of, not as an automobile, but as a person with value and dignity. What a difference this mind set makes. While men might admire her beauty, they would have too much respect for her to touch her, use or abuse her. Her standards would be so high that she would expect nothing less. When a young man finally begins to win her heart, he would prove his love is NOT dependent on how well she can satisfy him, but for WHO she is. By talking, laughing and sharing, they get to know each other intimately, but not physically. 

 

As their love grows, the fire of passion begins to burn. He realizes, however, that no man is worthy to touch her, except for her husband. She is impressed by his strength. His self-control, self-respect and self-discipline cause her to love him all the more. His strong character plants seeds of trust and respect. These seeds will begin to turn into deep powerful roots establishing a strong foundation for a lasting relationship.
 
And then, the wedding day finally arrives, when they pledge their lives to each other in front of their family and friends. Rings are exchanged, vows shared as they promise to love until death. That night when all alone they give themselves to each other totally and completely for the first time. Although the sexual experience would be new for both of them, time is on their side. They have the rest of their lives to learn the art of making love together. Through the years, their sex life will continue to be a celebration of their relationship, which is far different than striving to fulfill one's selfish desires. As the years go by and the storms of life test their relationship, the firm foundation which was planted long ago when they were dating will hold them securely together.

 

Is this a fairy tale? No. It's actually happening among many of today's youth as they take a strong stand for sexual abstinence. Aim For Success commends all the young men who are choosing to look at their girlfriends not as a piece of machinery, but as a priceless young lady worthy of dignity and respect.