When we think of sex these days, our thoughts are often taken away from its original intent- a holy moment taking place between a husband and wife. Sex has been dumbed down to a thing of no consequence, mild and fleeting; casual. However, as you search scriptures, it is so much more.
Think back to Genesis (the first book of the bible). God makes Adam, then Eve out of Adam’s rib and bam- the first marriage. The two become acquainted (probably much more than acquainted- I mean, this is the first coming together of not just husband and wife, but also man and woman), probably a seriously hot evening, and there you go. Something so much more than fleeting casual sex.
If you read the Genesis account thoroughly enough, you notice that the garden was also a place where God literally dwelled with man. I mean, think about what that must have been like; felt like- to simply hang out with God. Seriously.
Let’s put some pieces together.
Adam. Eve. God. Garden. Together. WORSHIP – for the very first time.
Not to freak anyone out who is putting the pieces together in their head, but when Adam and Eve came together for the very first time (and really, every time after that), God was there. Yeah, I know; totally grossed me out the first time I thought that too. But as a part of His creation, this is what’s going on.
You see, sex is this holy moment when husband and wife come together in an act of united worship, in the presence of God. God is there. As you can see, in no way shape or form is sex this hit and miss, casual affair. Sex is a big deal, and we so forget that, over and over as we recycle our mess of forgetting how big a deal it is.
With God in our midst, even during the most intimate times, how can we not take it so seriously? An image coming across the computer screen. A more than gentle touch of self. A movie left on way too long. An affair… not to remember. All these things, and more, are you coming together in the very presence of God.
We should dwell on such matters. Take them to heart. Think about them the next time we are tempted to betray the holiness God so desires.
1 Corinthians 10:13 // No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Peter 1:13-16 // Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (See also Leviticus 11:44,45; 19:2; 20:7)