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.
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.
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.