This week's episode of "The Secret Life.."

Blog 1: Classroom/ Classmate Thoughts

It is truly a shame that television writers and producers think that the only thing that teenagers think about is sex. Are teens curious? Yes, how can they not be with all the media messages they get throughout their worlds? However, sexual intimacy is to be reserved for marriage not pre-marriage. Therefore, their thoughts should be on their studies, hobbies, being a good friend, living for God and serving him and others. In the classroom scene of "The Secret Life" each teenager is contemplating and dwelling on sex. They are consumed with different thoughts about sex. Two boys are obsessed with thoughts on who is having sex in the classroom. A boyfriend and girlfriend regret having sex with each other and are thinking they cannot do it again. Lastly, one girl feels deep regret for not having sex with her ex-boyfriend because she feels he broke up with her because she didn't have sex with him. Then you have the teacher thinking how wonderful it is that the children seem so engaged and interested in her lesson. Unfortunately, she could not be farther from the truth. Teens, if your thoughts are constantly on sex, I would tell you that this is an obsession and idol in your life. Our thoughts should be holy, pure and pleasing to our Father in heaven. We should strive to live for Christ in every area of our lives, serving God and serving others. As I watched this episode, the verse that came to my mind was this:

Psalm 19:14
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Blog 2: Synopsis of Adrian and Ricky- Trust and Commitment issues

This week's episode continues down a vicarious pathway between these two classmates and lovers. Adrian and Ricky are very possessive of one another, and do not have any trust for one another either. In a prior episode, Ricky has requested a commitment from Adrian for a monogamous relationship. They agree, but it is only lip service. We learn this week that their commitment is a total sham and that not only are they having sex with one another but with others as well.

Commitment for teens and singles should first come with a commitment to God. Adrian and Ricky are both lost and do not know Christ. They do not know the meaning of commitment and what it means to have a relationship that is guided by purity, trust and real love- God's love. They both hunger for this. Teens are not ready to have sexual relationships for this very reason. It is destructive to them and others. The writers of this show have made this a mini-"Sex in the City" or "Melrose Place." This relationship between Adrian and Ricky should not be portrayed on television as something any teen should desire. It is the wrong message for any teen to receive. Not only can the way they are living cause pregnancy and STDs, but over time it will cause a great deal of heartache attached with cynicism and lack of trust in future relationships. If one has premarital sex and on top of that has multiple sexual partners simultaneously, how can they expect to have a healthy relationship in the future? This is destructive in so many ways and on so many levels. Our dating relationships should model what we hope for and expect in a marriage. I do not think people go into a marriage with the hopes it will fail but when relationships are not established and developed according to God's plan then most of the time they will fail. I will add that both Adrian and Ricky do not have good role models as parents in this drama. Here in America this is now a challenge for so many young people because they do not have moral/ Christian parents or role models to model what a healthy, committed relationship is to be. However, young people, you have a choice and you can rise above the bad examples and bad media messages out there and live your lives differently for God.

Challenge: Teens strive to have healthy dating relationships now, begin by putting God first and setting boundaries. Strive also to have a relationship that would model what you hope for in a marriage minus the sexual intimacy. Keep the relationship pure. Develop a friendship that involves hobbies you can do together and enjoy together. Live the faith for Jesus in anything and everything you do.

Scriptures to live by:

James 3:13

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

2 Chronicles 16:9a

For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.

1 Kings 8:61

"But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his command, as at this time."