I walked into a public restroom today and noticed a machine that dispenses condoms. The advertising slogan on the machine caught my eye— “When life just can’t wait.”

Sadly, that’s the philosophy of many people in the world today. Those who are not filled with the Holy Spirit see no need for putting off any pleasure that could be experienced immediately. They can’t comprehend the concept of delayed gratification. They know what they want and they know when they want it—right now.

How different it is for those who are filled with the Holy Spirit of God! The power of the Spirit enables them to be patient and wait for God’s timing before they engage in activities that are reserved exclusively for a husband and a wife within marriage. The Spirit gives them the ability to be in control of their body when they experience the desires that are common to nearly all humans.

Sometimes life needs to wait.

“If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married.”—1 Corinthians 7:36.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control…”—Galatians 5:22-23.