I’ve read and heard this verse used so many times.
12 Everything is permissible (allowable and lawful) for me; but not all things are helpful (good for me to do). Everything is lawful for me, but I will not become the slave of anything or be brought under its power.
13 Food [is intended] for the stomach and the stomach for food, but God will finally end both and bring them to nothing. The body is not intended for sexual immorality, but [is intended] for the Lord, and the Lord [is intended] for the body [to save, sanctify, and raise it again].
Sexuality… definitely a topic of discussion that most Christians shy away from. Or, usually it is discussed with a judgmental, condemning, or ignorant spirit, and eventually dismissed. Although I feel the Bible gives excellent wisdom when it comes to sexuality, lust, perversion, etc… I feel much of that wisdom still isn’t received by Christian young adults due to poor communication. The unique social-cultural lifestyle differences of this present generation creates difficulties when relating on a lot of topics, especially sex.
In relationships twenty-five years ago most adults were married with kids by their mid-twenties, and dating was done in high school and college. Homosexuality was never openly discussed, and considered by many a mental disorder. I even feel present-day Victoria’s Secret commercials would be considered as pornography years past.
Now, in the world I live in, condoms are freely given out in a lot of public high schools, and sex education is literally a subject taught in some high schools. Many teenage girls who are pregnant before they graduate high school; many of which will end up becoming stressed out single-parents who will live their lives with no hope/intention of getting married. Even in committed relationships, there are more single adults who rather choose cohabitation over marriage, because it allows for more freedom; as more career-focused individuals would rather not be tied down, so not to limit their options.
Today I read a story about a 14-year old girl who was arrested for posting a video on Facebook, where a toddler performs a sex act on her [story]. It shocked me! And I’ll never forget waiting in line to use a computer at the public library in downtown Los Angeles, seeing a homeless man on a public computer watching pornography publicly!
The internet has made it possible for children to have access to anything and everything, and the world is teaching them how to manage/express their feelings after puberty. All because Christians don’t like to talk about it… or have these difficult conversations.
Sexuality is a touchy issue. The verse I quoted earlier was I Corinthians 6:12-13. Just fyi, I was a virgin until I was 29 years old. Yet, even though I was a virgin technically… I was definitely not one in my heart, as I committed many sexual sins since I was a teenager, as the Bible says that “… anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
So, why did I write this blog? You know, as of right now, I’m living the life of an unmarried man in a committed relationship who is fighting off sexual immoral desires, to preserve the holy sanctity of our relationship. I just wanted to encourage those who desire to live a virtuous life. So to promote celibacy and sexual transparency to young people. Being celibate in mind and body requires sacrifice, but the benefits are definitely worth it.
Maya Moore
March 11, 2015 at 12:53 pm
I love this blog. I agree sex needs to be discussed among Christians, in the home and at church more. I plan to write a couple of blog entries myself on the topic. Our sexuality is an inseparable part of who we are and how God made us. I think attempts to shame and silence us about it are from the enemy. So many things you said here hit home.
jason
March 11, 2015 at 5:34 pm
Thanks Maya!
I really feel that more people should open up about sex, because it is not a bad thing… and it is natural and everyone in life deals with.