Teenagers sometimes wonder

They only tell us we shouldn't become sexually involved

but they never tell us the limits.

What are the limits?

The problem of this question is...

that some people think that they identify some certain limits

that they can still get as close as to the limits as possible

and still be okay.

but like rowing down a river, without knowing about a waterfall ahead

Trying to get close to the limits is NOT a very smart idea.

Consider this analogy.

The story has told a military pilot had flew his airplane in a forest area.

Now the military had a rule that says pilots should not fly their planes close to the trees.

It's pretty obvious why.

When you arrive, and you will crash the air plane.

So a sailor tries to see how close to the trees he could get.

This pilot sets a rule for himself.

that he will stay at least 500 fts above the trees.

In this way, he kept himself much safer.

Just as a pilot can crash to the trees,

we know that our emotion damages and other problems

come from sharing physical intimacies outside of marriage.

So instead of trying to ask what are the limits,

we should follow standards that will keep us safe.

For the strength of Youth provides this valuable standard.

Before marriage, do not do anything to arouse the powerful emotion

that must be expressed only in marriage.

In addition to For the Strength of Youth,

listen to specific things we should not do.

It says,

Do not participate in passionate kissing.

Lying on top of another person.

Touch the private sacred parts of another person's body

with or without clothing.

Or allow anyone to do that to you.

Now those things are like flying in the trees.

They all might be like flying 500 fts above the trees.

Here is one idea that could be helpful.

Only do things you will feel comfortable doing

in the presence of your parents.

For example, a 15-year-old could ask.

"Is it okay for me to hold hands?"

But maybe the question should be

"Will I hold hands in front of my parents?"

You can set standards that will help you to stay pure.

Elder Richard G. Scott said,

"Firmly established personal standards

choose a time of deep spiritual reflection

when there's no pressure on you.

And you can confirm your decisions

by impressions that will come to you from the Holy Ghost.

Decide then what you will do and

what you will not do to express feelings.

The spirit will guide you.

Then do not vary from those decisions

no matter how that may seem when the temptation comes."

Consider talking with your parents to leaders

about your standards and seek their additional guidance.

Pray and ask Heavenly Father

about the standards you have set for yourself.

When you feel the Holy Ghost confirm your standards,

you have greater power to live them.

Now let's review what we have discussed.

Prophets have clearly taught us how to stay sexually pure.

They have given us this standard.

Before marriage, do not do anything to arouse the powerful emotion

that must be expressed only in marriage.

Just as the wise pilot keeps himself far from the trees,

we should not get close to sin.

You can pray and talk with God

about personal standards you set for yourself.

Take the time you need to really be guided by the Spirit.

Once you set clear standards, never deviate from them.

And don't let what has happened in the past control your future.

If you straighten the past, you can return.

In a world that's full of temptation,

it can be challenging to stay virtuous.

but it's worth it.

When you obey God's commandments with sexually pure,

you prepare yourself to make

and keep sacred covenants in the temple.

You prepare yourself to build a strong marriage

and to bring children to the world as part of this loving family.

When we look at the big picture,

it's easy to realize that it's worth it

to keep God's commandments to be sexually pure.