We live in a sex-oriented society. Young people are constantly bombarded by a mixture of messages that encourage them to act on their natural sexual impulses without regard for morals, Everything from tooth paste and blue jeans to shaving cream is sold on the basis of sex appeal. T.V. (soaps in particular), movies and popular music promote a life-style free from moral restraint. On the typical soap opera boy meets girl; they hug, kiss, then go to bed. Unrestrained sexual activity is viewed as the ultimate vehicle for pleasure and purpose in life.

Young people left to themselves face a herculean task in trying to overcome this pressure. With young people getting married later than they did a few years ago, the control of "raging hormones" becomes a more serious concern. What can be done? Education holds the key! Education which begins at home, includes the church and is based upon God's standard!

God's Design for Sexual Activity

God approves and sanctions sexual activity as a means of expressing love and bonding two people together. "Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge" (Heb. 13:4). It is an honorable expression of love, affection and bonding when kept within the context of marriage. In the Song of Solomon we find a beautiful tribute to the sexual bonding of two people who are very much in love (Song of Solomon 7:7ff; 8:3ff). This young couple longs for a physical expression of their growing love and do so with the approval and endorsement of their Lord. Within the context of a divinely endorsed marriage, sexual activity can properly provide satisfaction and pleasure (Prov. 5:18-ff). So important is this physical union that God does not want it withheld from either marriage partner (1 Cor. 7:2-5).

Outside of its proper place, sexual activity is damning to one's soul (1 Cor. 6:9-11) and damaging to one's self-image. Therefore, God encourages us to flee fornication. "Flee sexual immorality" (1 Cor. 6:18a). Sometimes it is best to seek safety in flight. The best defense can be a good run! (Just ask Joseph - Gen. 39:7-12.) It is not in our best interest to linger where we may get burnt (Prov. 6:27-33).

Sexual infidelity does injury to part of one's personality as sexual activity is more than just a physical activity - more than bodies are involved. After telling us to flee fornication, Paul says: "Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body" (1 Cor. 6:18). Even though a person might "protect" himself against some of the physical consequences of premarital sexual activity, no contraceptive can protect one's mind or reputation.

Remember that it is always best to stay within God's design. He knows us better than we know ourselves. The wise man Solomon wrote: "Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared? So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent . . . Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul. Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away" (Prov. 6:27-33).

Guardian of Truth XXXV: 7, p. 205
April 4, 1991