As you follow through on each decision, God provides the strength to make the next one. Success breeds success. And what success are you seeking? You’re trying, and learning, to be governed by your convictions instead of your feelings. That is the ultimate goal of maintaining sexual integrity.

All of us are created to demonstrate and enjoy passionate moments of intimacy. But God never intended for those experiences to control our lives. Integrity is the conviction to remain consistent with our standards (and God’s) through the hundreds of daily decisions we make. Integrity is a determination to live as a person made in the image of God and to act in morally responsible ways that reflect His values.

For you were once full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of the light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true. Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. … So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. (Ephesians 5:8–11, 15 NLT)