“Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry. But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife.” 1 Corinthians 7: 1-4
“Since there is so much immorality.” Rampant open sexual expression commonly appeared in every quarter of this ancient society. At this time in history temple prostitution existed in every city of the Roman Empire. If possible, the immorality was even greater than it is today.
Facing the reality of sexual desire is essential for survival. Many give self excuses, indulge in “urban myths”, negotiate with God, expect forgiveness or otherwise manipulate the mind into allowing involvement in inappropriate sexual activity. The fact is that men and women want to engage in intercourse with each other and will do so when the opportunity comes available.
This fact requires that each person take steps to manage personal sexuality in a way that prevents abuse. A few basic rules to apply include the following.
1. Never spend time with the opposite sex in an environment where inappropriate sexual activity is possible.
2. Recognize that all human beings have sexual desire and are driven to satisfy that desire.
3. Honestly assess self and build barriers to prevent acting out the natural desire built into your body.
4. Bar self from mentally creating permission to violate these rules.
5. Do not allow self to create an excuse to violate these rules due to human weakness or any other “error in judgment”.
Chaplain Don Russell
Arrow Epistle—- The Spokane Outreach Center – http://www.spokaneoc.com – 1014 N. Pines Spokane, WA 99216 Volume V, Issue 183 11//02
COPYRIGHT ©1997-2002 The Spokane Outreach Center All rights reserved. Reproduction of the ARROW EPISTLE in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. All use must credit the source. Commentary authored by Chaplain Don Russell
Appearing Saturday, March 1, 2003