ARLINGTON, VA., November 14, 2011 – The crimes of Jerry Sandusky, who allegedly raped a number of young boys while working as a football coach at Penn State, raises an important question: What if God actually has a plan for how we should conduct ourselves in the short span of life we are given? Aren’t we all accountable to Him?
As far as the use of sex, the Bible provides at least two crucial lessons. The first comes from Jesus’ teaching, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh … What God has joined together, let not man put asunder.” (Matthew: 19:5).
Jesus is clearly speaking of a man and a woman building a beautiful, life-long and exclusive relationship. Sex used within this plan is in accordance with the way we were designed by our Creator, and it can be wonderful, like fire used within the proper confines of a fireplace. It can lead to a deepening love between husband and wife over their years together.
Sex certainly involves the giving and receiving of physical pleasure, but it is much more than that. It can and should be an expression of affection, loyalty and beauty between a man and a woman. The sexual relationship should have spiritual and emotional aspects together with, and having even greater importance than physical ones.
Moreover, humans are made in God’s image. God certainly must have both masculine and feminine aspects, considering what Genesis says: “So God created man in His own image, male and female He created them.” When a man and a woman become “one flesh,” it is intended to be a reflection of the marvelous unity of God’s own masculine and feminine aspects.
On the other hand, sex used in conflict to the way our Designer intended is like fire cast about carelessly. If misused, it can burn down your home, burning and scarring the people you love. Ask former Governor Mark Sanford, former presidential candidate John Edwards or golfer Tiger Woods.
Sex used in the rape of children, sex used outside of a man-woman relationship, or sex used in betrayal of one’s spouse is contrary to the Designer’s plan, and it hurts people, often terribly. In particular, to sexually exploit a child involves not only assaulting them physically, but assaulting them spiritually and emotionally as well.
The second lesson the Bible offers regarding sex can be taken from the simple direction of Jesus, to treat others as we want to be treated. What a very simple piece of advice! But it can have enormous consequences.
To anyone who is, even fleetingly, tempted to sexually exploit a child for your own selfish enjoyment, do you really want to destroy a young boy’s or a young girl’s chance to lead a healthy and happy life? How much will you enjoy crippling a child with guilt, shame and fear, and distorting their sense of who they are?
To anyone who is tempted to view pornography, do you really want to support an industry that exploits children, or adults for that matter? Jesus’ Golden Rule is the answer. Think about the other person as who they are, a child of God. And then treat him or her as you would want to be treated.
This command is clearly another part of our Creator’s plan, and it is not advice to be taken lightly. Violating this plan will quickly lead to misery. Honoring this plan can lead to happiness, for others and for ourselves.
Mr. Sandusky, are you listening? Secret, or potential, or would-be future Mr. Sanduskys, are you listening? Listen! Listen and think, before you take a single further step towards, or down that ugly, wretched, self-destructive road.
And for all of us, let’s do our best to teach those whom we can. If we have convictions about the importance of morality in relationships, we can’t just be silent.
When you share your conviction with another person, especially a young person, it might end up helping them a lot. Let’s try to teach both with words and with examples of striving to build stable, loyal, happy families.
Read more of Clark Eberly's Stories of Faith in the Communities at the Washington Times.
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