Though my own children are fairly young, the oldest being 6, I have encountered much concern among my fellow Christian parents on the subject of Sex Education. "When should I start talking about it?" "What do I say?" "What have they already been told?" "What have they already done?" "How much information is too much information at what age?"
First, lets rightly divide the subjects shall we? There are really three subjects being moshed together here:
One is Biology. It's academic and may be taught when it appears in the school curriculum or as questions arise. It covers human anatomy, the function of the various reproductive organs, and possibly hygiene. Though younger children may giggle at the pictures, it is basic knowledge that is good to have and is of little offense or debate.
Second is sexuality and the exploration of its various expressions. Quite honestly, I do not feel this is something that anyone needs to be taught. The most primitive humans and even creatures appear to be able to figure these things out on their own, and further, seem to have a pretty good time doing so! Within the context of a loving Christian marriage there is a lifetime to explore, enjoy, discover, and even laugh about our sexuality. The only reason to "teach" these things to unmarried individuals of any age seems to be to minimize the negative consequences of acting out their sexuality in inappropriate ways that do not honor God; safe sex to avoid disease and pregnancy, technique to avoid embarrassment, etc.
Finally we come to the real issue at hand; purity. Now that's a pretty archaic and staunch name for something as lovely as it represents. Because purity is really about love. God's love for us. And it is about our relationship with and love for Him.
~
"How much can I get away with and not technically have sinned?"
"How far can I go without losing my salvation?"
When you have a best friend, that you love, that you know would die for you, who's love and friendship you cherish. You don't go around trying to figure out how many times they will forgive you, how far is too far with their hot girlfriend, or how selfish you can be and still keep their friendship. You run in the opposite direction from those things that would damage that relationship or hurt that person. And further, you are too busy engaging in and enjoying that relationship to care about those other things.
If we are debating and defining how far is too far, we have already lost the battle. Because what they are really asking is, "how far is too far from God?" It comes from a place of rebellion and from a sense of bondage in their faith. When the heart is in the right place, an intimate relationship with their Lord and Saviour, the question becomes, "How can I come closer Lord?"
Further, if we are trying to teach purity out of the law, we will fail. The whole point of the law was to show us we can't do it ourselves, we NEED Jesus. Galatians 5:22&23 tell us that love, faithfulness, and self-control are fruits of the Spirit, not the seeds of salvation or its assurance. These things are a natural product of a relationship with Him.
So what does this mean for us as Christian parents? It means there is no quick fix, no half semester course to clear this up. It demands of us that we raise them in the admonition of the Lord over the long haul. It requires in them a personal relationship with the Lord and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Even then, there is temptation and there will be failings. But the love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness of God are more than sufficient for such things. For it is the nature of our fallen nature, and God knows every detail, and He loves us anyway.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." (2Cor 12:9, NKJV)
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom 5:8, NKJV)
~
Back to those two questions I mentioned earlier...
~ "How much can I get away with and not technically have sinned?":
Too late! You're already a sinner! (That's why Jesus died for you.)
What you should be asking is, "What is God's best for me? And how
can I get it?" (Because He loves you more than you love yourself.)
Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Nothing you do
can earn or cost your salvation but your acceptance or rejection of
Christ Jesus. So... do you accept Him? Or are you trying to get
out from under His thumb?
No comments:
Post a Comment