I imagine this commandment has always been a challenge, but today it seems that challenge has reached new heights. Temptation seems to lurk around every corner, in every book and magazine, in every movie and song, and on the Internet. If that weren’t enough, provocative dress is the norm, sexual promiscuity is not only no longer shameful, but glorified in our culture, no sexual practice is taboo, and premarital sex is considered a “wise” way to see if a couple is compatible.

 

The great irony of our culture today is that it champions all this as sexual “liberty”, when in fact, it is actually slavery. Addictions run rampant among both men and women. Marriages and families are torn apart. Depression and loneliness are common. And human trafficking is the third largest crime industry in the world, where it is estimated that 80% is related to sex. (find stats)

 

Sex, itself, isn’t bad. In fact, it’s good. God created it good. He commanded Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply. However, He also created it to be within certain boundaries, the bonds of a loving marriage between. When it is taken outside those bonds, it is not only sinful, but destructive. However, like all sin, when we obey God’s commands and avoid sexual sin, we find the loving and compassionate blessing that God intended.