I have noticed how, in our modern church culture, the topic of sexual immorality often seems to focus almost exclusively on homosexuality. Yet, there is a disturbing trend among believers that rarely gets addressed from the pulpit: the sin of fornication.

What is fornication? Simply put, it is any sexual act done outside the bonds of holy matrimony. This includes premarital sex, adultery, and yes, even masturbation. The Word of God does not make exceptions based on circumstance, emotion, or loneliness. Holiness is not conditional—it is a calling.

Sadly, many churches today shy away from confronting this issue, likely out of fear of losing members or being labeled as “judgmental.” But what about holiness? Are we not called to live lives that are holy, acceptable, and pleasing to God?

As the Apostle Paul wrote:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
— Romans 12:1 (KJV)

To be a living sacrifice means we willingly place ourselves on the altar of obedience, even when it hurts. A dead sacrifice stays on the altar because it has no choice. But a living sacrifice must choose to remain there, even when the fire grows hot. And let me tell you, when it comes to sexual temptation, the fire can get very hot indeed.

Whether you are single, widowed, or divorced, the standard remains the same: you are not to engage in the sin of fornication! You must wait until you are married. I write this not from a place of judgment, but from experience. I, too, walk this difficult road of singleness. I know the loneliness. I understand the desire. But I also know that obedience to God is far more rewarding than momentary pleasure.

My soul’s eternal reward, and my relationship with Christ, are worth more than a few fleeting moments of gratification. This is the price of holiness. This is the cost of true discipleship. We are not called to comfort—we are called to crucify ourselves.

And if you are struggling, you are not alone. You are simply in the refining fire where the living sacrifice must choose to stay. Remain there. God sees you, strengthens you, and will finish the work He began in you.

“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication.”
— 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (KJV)

Let us, therefore, rise above the standards of the world and live as those who belong to the Kingdom of God. Purity is not optional.—it is required.