Sex is everywhere, and it has become an outlet to sleep with anyone, regardless of the consequences. This is great for the world, but for Christians, it is a no-no. Sex was never intended to be used as a recreational activity, and unfortunately, it has become something people treat flippantly. People see sex in magazines and online as being glamorous with no consequences for their actions. In real life, there are consequences. God created sex, and therefore, it is reasonable to expect that it should be used as He intended it to be used within a marriage.
Yet, people keep their sex lives separate from God, and this makes little sense for the believer as everything is interconnected. Christians are supposed to have another standard. "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned," Romans 5:12 explained. Here is the problem with casual sex.
God designed sex.
Being spiritually married to Christ does not mean we cannot be physically married or have sex. But when it is out of the confines of marriage, we are getting into murky waters because marriage is an essential part of what Christ has for us. Removing sex out of its context is to pervert its use and severely limit its enjoyment. Sexual contact involves a level of intimacy not experienced in any other human relationship. Gotquestions.org explained it this way. "God established the one flesh relationship. Genesis 2:24 tells us that a man will leave his family, join his wife, and become one flesh with her." Marriage and sex are intended to be part of God's perfect plan. When we step out to have multiple sex partners, we damage our spirit and maybe our health.
It's carnal.
Games, recreation, fun and sex. Yes, sex has been diluted to the point where it is just an active sport. Everyone likes to have fun, but where does it end? "Sex binds people together physically, emotionally and spiritually. Until sex is seen as a powerful expression of covenant love, wrapped in mystery and complexity, marriages will continue to fall apart," author Frank Powell explained. Mark 10:9 also confirms that when people are joined together, it is a powerful force. "The two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together is that let man not separate." We are expected to tame our sexual desires. However, having casual relationships not only feeds lust it will leave you feeling empty as it leads to nothing substantial. Jesus put it another way: "I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her already committed adultery with her in his heart."
It can be emotionally damaging.
Since God designs sex, it is good, right? Humans distort this to feed an appetite, and it starts eroding our mental health. Sex is more than a physical act. Joe McIlhaney and Freda Bush wrote in the book Hooked that it damages your emotional health. "Scientists are confirming that sex is more than a momentary physical act," they explained. "It produces powerful, even lifelong changes in our brains that direct and influence our future to a surprising degree." This is why casual sex can be destructive as people move to different partners. When we choose to do things God's way, we can avoid destruction, pain and angst. If you get a thrill out of risky sex, you make yourself more vulnerable to these negative consequences. Our sexual desires reflect a more profound spiritual intimacy that God longs for us. He doesn't want us exposing ourselves to behaviors that will damage us.
There are consequences.
Overall, sex is a powerful force beyond pleasure. The act can lower blood pressure, help the heart, help with joint pain, reduce the risks of prostate cancer and improve sleep. You only need to have intercourse at least two times a week to reap the awards. This sounds pretty awesome. But there is a downside to this, as you can get diseases from having sex with multiple partners. There is chlamydia, genital Herpes (HSV-2), HIV and AIDS are just a few of the things that can harm your health. Christians need to know God created sex other than to have a family; there is nothing wrong with the enjoyment of it. But God also wants His children to develop love and intimacy with one another. First Thessalonians 4:3-5 explains: "It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality and that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable."
Resist temptation.
God loves you and forgives you. None of us are without fault; remember that. We know we are in a fallen world, and after Adam and Eve, we still battle sin today. God specifically said, "Flee sexual immorality," 1 Corinthians 6:18 stated. This means harnessing your mind and body and keeping it from sexual pleasure before marriage, which could lead to spiritual brokenness. God promises that if you confess your sins, He is faithful to forgive and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. "This includes all sin and does not exclude sexual sin. As far as the East is from the West, He's removed our transgressions [sins] from us," Shana Schutte shared with Focus on the Family.
Casual sex is a slippery slope that can lead to a broken heart, illness and guilt. This is a common experience for most people after they follow that lifestyle. Yes, sex is fun and hip, but it also has an ugly side that we tend to forget. Do yourself a favor and be more picky with who you sleep with.
