In our last visit I answered the question about making the right choice regarding sex in the life of a Christian based on what Paul said in 1st Thessalonians 4:3-5. I said that within marriage alone, sex is a way of expressing love and affection, to intimately give oneself to the enrichment and enjoyment of the one loved, and to participate in the reproduction of life.
The key phrase in that statement is “within marriage alone.” This means if you are not married you should not become sexually involved with another person. It also means if you are married you should not become sexually involved with anyone other than your spouse.
For you to live this way it will be necessary for you to do what Paul says in verse 4, “Each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable.” I like the way The Message presents this verse: “Learn to appreciate and give dignity to your body, not abusing it, as is so common among those who know nothing of God.”
You were “fearfully and wonderfully made” or fashioned by God. Appreciate how God made you. Yes, including the sexual appetite that you have. Give dignity to your body by not abusing it. Demonstrate that you want your body to be available as a holy vessel for the one God has chosen to share it with in the intimacy of marriage. Keep yourself pure until you are joined in marriage. And if God wants you to be single, ask Him for grace to appreciate and give dignity to your body by not abusing it.
Remember, as a Christian your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Keep it holy!
