Husbands, love your wives,(even before you know who they are), as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church (her) to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.
Ephesians 5:25-27 ESV
(my commentary added)
I know the world doesn't think much of this these days --- with all the blurring of gender lines and free "love" and friends with benefits --- but as a man created in the image of God and as a follower of Jesus --- you should think first about the honor of the young women you know, and not the desire or pleasure you get from their company. Case in point... a camping trip.
And I know your heart to stay pure, and in your mind all will be innocent... many guys and girls... but wisdom says... No. The reputation of these young women should come first in your mind. And opposite sexes, together all night, no chaperons, no mission but fun, deems this unwise.
Plus, this kind of intimacy and adventure, that of camping overnight with a woman, should be thought of as something you only want to share with your spouse.
Think about it... camping with your wife in years to come... Do you want memories with other women on other camping trips to come to mind? Ones that might be awkward to share... and perhaps make her jealous... no matter how innocent it seemed at the time?
An episode of Castle comes to mind... the two main characters engaged. In planning their honeymoon, her primary criteria is that it be someplace he has never been with another woman --- a virgin adventure, so to speak. (He having been married twice before, and possessing extensive resources, makes this goal really difficult.)
A good reason not to take any vacations with girlfriends (or even girls that are friends) --- even if you stay in separate rooms. Of course, supervised mission trips or working as camp counselors somewhere is a different category altogether.
As I process your question... Can girls come on the camp out?... I realize there is so much more to protect... save... for your future relationship with your wife than the act of "sex".
I haven't thought through this before, but I know from experience these things to be true... even when nothing happened...
Take your role as a Christian man and protector of the garden seriously, which is first and foremost (after your relationship with Him) to protect and honor the women God places in your life. Not only for your future marriage but for theirs too.
Husband and wife --- married couples --- make up the basic building blocks of the Church... (two becoming one... and... where two or three are gathered in my name I Am there with them...) Protect your future marriage relationship in every respect and protect the Church.
Love you,
Mom
PS... Thanks for asking the question...
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