Leviticus 18 gives us some strong instruction of the “s” word which we don’t seem to want to address in church any longer. But before we go there, it is important that God tells the people “don’t live like the people….where you used to live….or where I’m bringing you. Don’t do what they do”. How much do you let those around you influence how you live? Are you a leader or a follower when it comes to living life and walking in obedience to God? Too many are followers, they go with the crowd even when the crowd chooses to walk away from God’s commands and instruction. God is calling each of us to be willing to stand firm and apart – to not follow the crowd – but to stand up and be obedient to His direction. Sometimes that is difficult – a lot easier to just blend in and do what everyone else is doing. Peer pressure is a powerful force, even for adults, even in the church. But God calls us to be set apart and walk in obedience. And in this area, the “s” word, it is more important than many because “this is how the nations become polluted”. Mishandling something that God created so special has long and lasting consequences. And unfortunately, our nation is definitely on that path of pollution right now.
In case you haven’t figured it out, the “s” word is SEX. Some of you will be covering your eyes about now. Others asking just what is this guy doing writing about this in daylight. But sex was God’s idea and He created us to enjoy it. It is part of His plan for marriage and a part of His efforts to make us holy. This chapter is filled with “do not have sex” statements around a whole lot of people and relationships. It definitely shows that God is concerned with how we live in this area of our lives. Bottom line is that sex was created to happen within the bounds of marriage. No exceptions, no excuses. Living together prior to marriage is not ok. Premarital sex because you are engaged is not ok. Any extramarital affair is – you guessed it – not ok. God has a long list of things we should not – must not – engage in. But he also intends for sex to be healthy and strong inside the bond of marriage for which He created it. So just as important as not abusing or stretching His design outside, is the need for very vibrant and healthy sex within marriage. It is God’s design for husband and wife. It is how He created the plan and wrote the Book. His instruction is clear: “don’t pollute yourself in any of these ways” and He calls out the list – a very long one – clearly. If you have any question you best read the chapter. God is very clear when He tells us “you must keep my decrees and laws….keep to what I tell you….I am God, your God”. This is not an area to be messing around. Nations have fallen, and will continue to fall, when they mock God around the misuse of sex. It is not something God takes lightly, nor should we. That said, we should enjoy it much in the way God intended, and run like crazy from any other. There is no gray area here – you don’t need to pray about it or seek counsel. God is clear – sex belongs in marriage – anything else is pollution and will cause damage and pain. And yes – in case you were wondering – that means pornography is on the list of pollution outside God’s design. There is no place for it. Put it off today.
