1 Corinthians 6:19-20
It’s interesting that, just prior to this passage, Paul begins with an admonition to avoid taking one another to court. Lawsuits and sexual immorality, hand-in-hand. In today’s world, the former is often the result of the latter. Of lawsuits, Paul says, “In fact, to have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you” (6:7). I think it is completely proper to say the same thing about sexual immorality; the fact that it exists points to a defeat.
So often, there is real betrayal when sexual immorality occurs (ditto for lawsuits!)—often betrayal of those closest to us, those who love and care for us the most. Paul specifically admonishes against consorting with prostitutes and I think we can all agree on that one: bad idea. But certainly, this cautionary Scripture about sexual gluttony is broader than participating in the sex trade, as awful as that is for all involved.
A few months ago, I learned of a minister who, decades ago, cheated on his wife with the best friend of his son. That best friend was also a member of the minister’s church. Betrayal on betrayal on betrayal. Even 40 years later, the razors of pain caused by that choice continue to cut into the hearts of those impacted. The admonitions here aren’t just Puritanical chest beating over sexual impropriety. This matter of using our bodies selfishly is a gluttony with an impact that stretches over generations. The gluttony of indulging our bodies runs the risk of destroying not just ourselves but others.
Consider
Consider how God endeavors to love and protect us—and those we care most deeply about—by giving us our bodies as a most sacred vessel. How will you honor God with yours today?
Pray
God, thank you for the sacredness of our bodies and the sacredness of sex. Remind us as needed not to be forgetful about this. Amen.