But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body. I Corinthians 6:17-20
In the beginning, our human sexuality was perfect. No jealousy, selfishness, shame, competition, comparisons, nor violence. After the fall, sin fractured our relationships with God, with ourselves, with each other, and with the world. Our broken sexuality in our current society is a direct result of the fall. God’s original design is for a man and a woman to make a lifetime covenant of marriage with each other, which includes an exclusive sexual relationship within their marriage.
Most people in our society do not use God’s perfect original design for sexuality as their guideline for their behavior. As a result we are bombarded with books, magazines, movies, television shows, pornography, and internet content that portray messages such as: “absolutely anything goes” and “if it feels good, do it” in the realm of sexuality. Yet the Bible says, “The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.” I Corinthians 6:13 b.
Because we live in a fallen world, where sin has influence on all of our relationships, we all experience brokenness in some way in our sexual relationships. Jesus spoke about the source of our sin, “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality,…” Matthew 15:19a. What should we do with our brokenness? How can we be restored in our sexual relationships? Pray and confess, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me,” Psalm 51:10. Talk to God about the brokenness in your sexual relationship. Let him direct your next steps through prayer, Bible reading, and wise counsel. Sometimes consulting a professional counselor or pastor is necessary so that healing of past events or false assumptions can occur. Remember, God values you. If you are in a relationship that is harmful to you, or contrary to biblical teaching, leaving that relationship may be necessary.
The intimacy experienced between a man and a woman within God’s original design for sexuality in a covenantal, lifelong marriage, is beautiful and brings pure joy to both husband and wife. It is a picture of the intimacy God wants us to experience with him. This week set aside some time to be intimate with God. Find your way to commune with him, listen to music, take a walk and pray, observe and enjoy God’s creation, and talk with him about his desire for you as a sexual being.
By Grace Hunter
