‘Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.’ 1 Timothy 4:1-5(NLT)
‘Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love.’ Proverbs 5:18-19(NLT)
‘In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body. As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.” This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.’ Ephesians 5:28-33(NLT)
A lot of people are hesitant to bring up the subject of sex—especially in Christian circles. Which has given rise to several myths about Christians and sex. Let’s take a look into some of those myths so we can get some answers, once and for all. Here is the first of five myths which we, the Church, must no longer allow into our worldview of Christianity or our marriages: sex is dirty.
How do most conversations on sex start? With a look around the room at who may be within earshot, a hand cupped over one’s mouth, and a whisper. Sometimes we stay quiet because we don’t want to let just anyone into our private world. Sometimes it’s because we’re embarrassed. But what other message could this lowering of the voice and watching out for who’s listening subconsciously send? It could send a message that what you’re whispering about (sex) is bad. It can take hold until it enters your conscious thoughts, causing you to feel shame when discussing it—even with your spouse!
Yet, what does God say about sex and sexuality? God created sexual intimacy for marriage, and if God created it, how can it be dirty? In 1 Timothy 4:1-5, Paul confronted false teachings on marriage. He urged believers to receive the truth that what God created, God deemed good. He further urged them not reject the pleasures found within but to wholeheartedly receive them with thanksgiving.
Furthermore, if sex in marriage is dirty, then why is Scripture so graphic in its forthright description of sexual love? Don’t believe me? Then stand up right now and read aloud Proverbs 5:18-19. I’ll wait. … Did your voice suddenly go quiet when you began to read, “may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love”? I bet it did—especially if other people were around.
But there’s nothing dirty or shameful in God-honoring sex. God created man and woman the way He did so your spouse’s body would be delightful to you. So, sex, when in the context of marriage, is a gift from God.
—Brandon, LMFT-S, PCIT
from Sex