Expert: Carl Fuglein - 1/2/2010

Question
Dear Carl,

I started having a flirtatious relationship with a guy who attends the same church I do. Well, the flirting turned into us sending nude pictures of ourselves to each other. The first time after it happened I talked to my youth pastor about it. But about a week later, we did it again. I know sexting is wrong, because it is a form of lusting. At the same time, I can't seem to stop, and I'm not sure I want to stop because honestly I enjoy it, but I don't want to keep doing it if it's going to ruin my relationship with God, and send me to Hell. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much, Carl!

Answer
Lols

Thanks for writing and trusting me such a sensitive topic.  You obviously know that what you are doing is sinful and ultimately it will ruin your relationship with God if you don't stop.  What happens is that you'll do it over and over instead of honoring God.

What do you like about it?  Does it make you feel wanted?  Well God wants you and loves far more than your boyfriend.  What you are doing is sinful because of the lust invovlved, and because you are attempting to  fill your sexual desires.  If you don't stop, what's next?  Instead of sending pictures on the phone, maybe you'll get together in the same room and strip.  Yes, that's what will happen next, and it's all downhill from there.

Not to mention that your boyfriend now has naked pictures of you, and you have no control over them.  What happens when you break up?  Will he post those pictures on his BLOG because he's mad at you?  It could happen, believe me.

And finally, sending naked pictures of minors by sexting is considered child ponography by some District attorneys.  If you're under 18, do you want to be arrested for child pornogrpahy? - if convicted, you could have to register for the rest of your life as a sex offender.

Lola, yes, I AM trying to scare you - all these things I'm talking about can ruin your life, not to mention the sin involved.  Is it going to send you to hell?  Not if you stop and ask God for foriveness, and ask Jesus to live in your heart and try very hard not to do it again.

Please take the time to rate my answer, and I pray that you stop sexting NOW.

Blessings
carl