‘Sex’ is always viewed as a taboo subject in Christian arena. They don’t talk about sex publicly. But in todays world it is always necessary for the parents, elders and counselors to give a clear view of ‘human sexuality’ to the younger generation. Every human being needs have a clear knowledge about sex & sexuality.
Recently I was reading few articles and I found out two very interesting articles on this subject. I really want to share it with others for help and guidance.
The first article is “A Glorious Story” By Glenn T. Stanton. In this article the writer says: -
“Christians have a far more beautiful story to tell about the glorious nature of human sexuality than any other story occupying the cultural stage now or ever. None of the rivals are even close. The Christian story of sexuality is true to the fullness in which God made us as humans and true to the nature of what is ultimately behind everything in the universe: God, who is love and who dwells in loving intimacy. We shouldn’t be shy about telling it with the power and beauty of our lives.
We tell it to the world when we make deliberate decisions to protect our sexual health and wholeness from the ravaging wolves of premarital and extramarital sex.
We tell it to our spouses when we give our total selves exclusively to them, desiring to give and serve rather than to take. We tell it when we affirm, honor, and protect their femininity or masculinity, whether we’re alone or in front of others.
We tell it to our spouses and children when we honor our spouses with our fidelity. This isn’t just physical, but also mental and emotional. Husband, do your wife and children see you looking at other women or treating other women more kindly than you do your own wife? Wife, do you use sex as a bargaining chip with your husband, even playfully: “If you don’t play golf this Saturday, maybe we can see what happens after the kids go to bed?” Married couples should give of themselves freely and exclusively, without demanding from one another.
We tell the Christian story when we treat our spouses as reflections of God upon the earth, not as objects for our own pleasure or usefulness.
As your friends and children observe your life, what do they learn about sexuality? Do they get a distinctly Christian picture of sexuality? Do they see that you seek to please God and reflect His nature by honoring and serving your spouse? How we quietly care for and live out our sexual lives in front of others is a powerful lesson to them about how we view God, others, and ourselves. Remember, there’s much more to our sexual lives than the activity that takes place behind closed doors.”
Wow! It’s a big responsibility bestowed upon us. As we are so called knowledgeable and learned people.
The second article gives a clearer picture on this subject matter. The title of the article is “Sexuality Gift or Curse”, which is written by Doug Houck.
He writes as follows:
“Sensuality vs. sexuality: Why, then, did God create humans to be sexual, especially if it seems to cause so much trouble and pain? Before we answer this question, it must be noted that sexuality is different from sensuality. The word “sexuality” is often used when sensuality is meant. Sexuality refers to the basic drives and yearnings within a person to know and to be known. It is a longing for communion and oneness. Sensuality, on the other hand, is the self-indulgence of our basic appetites, especially food and sex. The advertising industry, for example, uses sensuality, not sexuality, as a motivating force leading the consumer to buy. Sensuality lures us by titillating our appetites and has relatively little to do with sexuality.
A longing for communion: Sexuality is part of our God-given nature. We were sexual before the fall of man. If we really believe this then we know that sexuality is a good gift from God. Although sin has soiled the gift, it has not been destroyed. It is a blessing, given by God for our use and His glory. But sin brought division and alienation. When man sinned, it resulted in alienation between man and God, man and man, man and himself, and man and nature. Man was created to live in union and at peace within these relationships. Sexuality is that basic drive within each person, which propels him to seek unity and peace in these four areas; sin is the wedge that causes separation and alienation. Sexuality, then, is not only a physical drive – even though that is where we feel its pull the most – but it involves the whole being of man. It is that yearning for communion with God, man, self, and nature through the tri-unity of man – his spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects.
On a spiritual level, sexuality functions as that yearning within all people to know a spiritual being or power. It is this yearning which has led to the development of all religions throughout history. Our sexuality is that part of our nature that propels us to seek and know God, thus bringing us into a personal relationship with Him.
On an emotional level, sexuality functions as that yearning within all people to know others. This expression of sexuality is most readily seen in friendship. In daily activities, individuals come together to accomplish a task or to enjoy each other’s fellowship. It is a union of persons. One example of this function of sexuality occurs when two Christians meet for the first time and they experience the feeling of always having known each other.
In this area, our sexuality also motivates us to fulfill the law of God: to love God above all, and our neighbors as ourselves. This expression of sexuality is in one sense the most difficult for it calls us to be at peace with those whom we may not even have any desire to be with.
On a physical level, sexuality functions as that longing within to know one special person intimately. This is the level we are most familiar with when thinking of the word sexuality. This expression of sexuality is most readily seen in the marital relationship, when, through sexual intercourse, the two become one. But when total focus is placed solely on genital activity, marital breakdown is sure to occur. Such a focus on sex in un-sanctified relationships also results in relationship breakdown. There are other legitimate and socially acceptable ways of expressing one’s sexuality: handshakes, a pat on the back, a hug, wrestling, and holding hands.
The yearning for oneness in nature is a compelling drives that fuels trips to the mountains to stand in awe and walks at sunset along the pounding surf. This is also a function of sexuality, and, on an emotional and spiritual level, can bring healing and peace. God announces His presence in His handiwork, and the spirit in man leaps at the acknowledgment.
But sin has brought alienation here, too, and man’s sins against the earth have resulted in health hazards to all living things. The desire to care for and heal the earth, purging it of pollutants, protecting endangered animals, establishing national parks and wildlife preserves are all efforts born of the need to be one with nature.
Thus, sexuality is a good gift from God. It is through one’s sexual nature that the yearning to know God, others, self, and this world is grounded. Without it, we would be robots – beings that could merely perform, but having no life. Sexuality is that yearning for communion and creation. It is a blessing.
God created and intended it for pleasure, not indiscriminate use. The desire to express sexuality in a sinful way that doesn’t glorify God still surfaces, sometimes leaving one with the temporary desire to be a non-sexual being. Satan will continue to attack all of us in this area, for it is here that he can drive the wedge of separation and alienation so deeply. But, Satan and the power of sin have been defeated! Our sexuality understood correctly does not need to be feared, but rather experienced as a gift of communion with our God, others, our world and ourselves.”
I hope this must have given everybody a new thought to look at the subject of sex and sexuality. Some statements in the above articles may be bit confusing, but if we try to go deep and try to understand the writers’ minds, then it will be helpful in our lives.
May God bless us to comprehend the real meaning and purpose of His wonderful gift to the whole human race.
