01 Dec How Far is too Far? – Dec 13

By Yosia Yusuf

This is probably the most debated question in regard to relationship between man and woman before marriage. Some would say ‘home run’ is acceptable, while the more conservative would suggest anything between ‘first, second or third base.’ If you have no idea what those terms meant, you are most likely too young to be in the game or too old and already out of the game.

I don’t know about you, but throughout the years I have set different boundaries at different time. Some might call it inconsistent and I concur. The only consistency I had in regard to all these boundaries was that I broke every single one of them. Surprise? Dont judge me! I know most, if not all of you, have broken the boundaries that you set for yourself as well.

So how far is too far? I think when we ask this question, what we truly ask is, how far can I go before I actually sin? This is not a bad question. In fact, if you ever ask and ponder on this question, I would like to congratulate you. We live in a culture that is obsessed with promiscuity. All you have to do is sit in front of your TV for 10 minutes before you are introduced to promiscuity directly or indirectly (assuming you have your TV on and you are not watching sports, weather, news or shopping channels). To stop and ponder on this question goes against everything that our culture feeding us. So, congratulation!

So how far is too far? I said this is not a bad question. However, I believe we are asking the wrong question.  It is like coming to your teacher at the beginning of the semester and ask, “what must I do to get a pass?” Is it bad to ask this question? Of course not. I bet some of you actually did ask this question to your killer professor. However, Jesus is not your killer professor. He said He came that we may have life and have it abundantly. Jesus is after our joy.

So how far is too far? May I suggest we change the question? We asked this question on the presumption that Jesus is our killer professor. The good news is that He is not. Jesus is the giver of life and not the taker of life. Rather than asking how far is too far, why don’t we ask, how close can I get to godliness? “Because in His presence there is fullness of joy and at His right hand are pleasures forever-more” (Psalm 16:11, Author’s paraphrase).