Sex is more than the physical act that is promoted on television, in the movies, or in the lyrics of the latest song. 

Take a look at the Five Dimensions of Sex:

1. The Physical - penetration of the penis into the vagina!  This doesn't sound very romantic, does it?  Sex is a wonderful, precious gift.  Sexual urges ebb and flow, they reach healthy completion only in a loving, committed, and permanent relationship-marriage.

2. The Mental - besides the physical pleasure that comes from sex, people do think about the experience, before, during, and after.  We make judgments about our own behavior and can decide on the basis of reason whether or not to engage in sexual activity. We think about the consequences and  decide whether our desire to have brief pleasure is balanced by their weighing of the consequences if anything goes wrong.

3.  The Emotional - The emotions that overtake people when they become involved in sexual activity may include love and caring and desire-and, on the other hand, lust, fear, disgust, rejection, self-loathing, and guilt. 

4.  The Moral - Whether we like it or not, we have to confront questions of right and wrong when we choose to have sex with someone.  Your family, your friends, your partner's family - what impact will your decision have on them?  

5.  The Social - You are part of society, part of a community, and part of several smaller groups, including family, friends, athletics, and clubs.  You are affected by society and its beliefs.  Social pressure can be good and bad.  Can you stand up to social pressure when you believe the group is wrong - and give in to social pressure when you believe the group is right?

Adapted from Teenagers:  Everyone is NOT Doing It by Mike Long 

Did you know sex is like a goldfish?  The goldfish swims happily in the bowl and as long as the water is changed regularly and it is fed regularly, the fish thrives.  It is when it is taken, removed and set outside the bowl that its life becomes jeopardized.  Sex is like that.  It is so good in it context, inside marriage, but outside of marriage, one's social, emotional, and physical well-being is jeopardized. 

Adapted from Teen-Aid http://www.teen-aid.org/