Tip #33: SLOW DOWN!
I'm going to give you fair warning that this post may be a little raw but bear with me. Today, we live in such a fast paced society. Everyone seems to want everything and they want it now (I can't help but think of the commercial where everyone yells out the window "it's my money and I need it now!"). Waiting seems to be a thing of the past and patience seems to be no longer relevant. Fast-food chains have really made bank off of this rush. Don't get me wrong, there have been some great inventions that make this world a little more convenient because of faster speeds, like broadband internet (dial-up was the pits-for those of you that remember) and cars instead of horses. There are some things that don't need to be rushed like love and SEX. Yep, I said it S-E-X. Moving too fast will get you in a world of trouble. Now before you click the "X" up at the top right of this screen, hear me out. Sex is one of those things that is pretty powerful. It's an act that God has designed to be pleasurable and fun but using it irresponsibly can cause you years of heartache. Policemen use guns to protect us. They are powerful weapons. Are guns bad? No! However, you give a 2-year old that same gun and it's a different story. Why, because a 2-year old doesn't know how to use a gun or the dangers regarding handling the gun. That's the same thing with you and sex (I know some of you may be thinking "but I'm not a 2-year old trying to have sex"). Yeah, well if you're a teenager contemplating sex, it's pretty much the same thing and you get my point. Sex is the highest act you can give of yourself to any other person and it is the ultimate gift (yep, it's pricier than a new Mercedes or some diamond necklace). Why? Because sex goes far beyond the physical. You're connecting at a soul & spiritual level. I know, "everyone's doing it" (or so they say) and "what's the big deal? It's just sex and it feels just right". If you keep that mentality, things probably won't be the best for you. I know it's not popular to tell a young man to not have sex. I also know what society says and that you're bombarded with images, media, friends, and your hormones that are telling you to do it and do it now. But, I have a responsibility of telling you what I believe is the truth. What's the rush? If you truly love someone, you don't have to rush. Your raging hormones and body sometimes get out of control. I get that. But strong is the man that can have self-control! Imagine you're sitting in a fine restaurant; your favorite (Cheescake Factory, Del Frisco's, Capital Grille, Ruth's Chris, etc.). People go to these restaurants because they know that the food will be prepared by the finest chefs and using the finest ingredients. These chefs put their time and energy into preparing awesome meals that look like works of art. The food is delicious too! They don't rush and bring you out some microwaved meal. On the other hand, it's a lot different than if you were visiting your local McDonald's or Burger King. The experience is different altogether. So don't treat yourself or your girlfriend like some cheap, fast-food meal. I had a kid ask me the other day about a girl he was really into. He said "how far should I go with her? I'm really into her and I think she's the one." I was floored and flattered that he would ask me. An hour later, I wrapped up my conversation with him and to sum it up, it went something like this: If you love her, you can wait. You shouldn't see how close you can get to the line without crossing it. You should see how far you can get away from it. It's like you're standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon saying, "how far can I get to the edge without falling over?" You better get your butt away from edge because falling over = you're dead! Let's shift gears for a minute (pun intended). I was driving home the other day and as I got off the interstate, I couldn't help but notice the flashing lights of the warning sign that read "SLOW DOWN, CURVE AHEAD, 25 MPH" or something like that. I could see where people didn't take the warning sign and skidded off the highway. I saw tire marks, banged up guard rails, and chewed up grass where cars left the highway because they were going too fast. Please don't let that be you. SLOW DOWN! See what this famous couple (from Duck Dynasty) said about it. Watch their story here:
Waiting will be the best for both of you. Trust me!
Written 12/15/2013 by John Weaver