So many marriages are going to Hell in a basket! There are so many snares to tear and shred a marriage. With the whole concept of love between a man and a woman being corrupted through pornographic “sex-sells” advertising, movies, magazines, the Internet to name a few. The title of this blog grabbed your attention, right?
Love has been confused with sex. Sex was designed to be the ultimate expression of intimacy between a man and a woman. Sex is good — God designed it that way! But sex was not designed to stand alone…it must be accompanied by intimate relationship. Anything less, just cheapens the whole experience and anyone who enters into such an act will know the sense of emptiness the day after.
Chasing after sex is not the answer… intimate relationship is what must be sought after. In our microwave I-want-it-now society, we want just the good bits NOW! However, anything truly worthwhile is achieved with time and hard work…yes, hard work. A microwaved TV Dinner will never be the same as a home prepared and cooked meal like mum-used-to-make.
I am so proud of the younger people today who have made a stand to remain true to their future partner for life by abstaining from any sexual encounter until they are married.
And for those who are married, don’t let things like pornography and sweet talking adulterers get even a foothold near your relationship with your spouse. The Bible is so descriptive of this time old destructive force – here is what Solomon, wisest man on earth, had to say to his sons:
For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey, and her speech is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter as gall, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. She gives no thought to the way of life; her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it. Now then, my sons, listen to me; do not turn aside from what I say. Keep to a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house, lest you lose your honor to others and your dignity to one who is cruel, lest strangers feast on your wealth and your toil enrich the house of another. At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent.
Proverbs 5:3-11
When you think about it, how much better is it to build a life long relationship with a partner who will still love you more dearly, even in old age, when sex may no longer be possible? Yes, love will outlast sex. If sex is all you know, then “At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent.“
I watched a brilliant film the other day called, “Fireproof“. I totally recommend this to any couples — especially if you have hit a rocky patch in your marriage and are tempted by external factors that are happy to help you continue to destroy your love with the one you married.
The LOVE/DARE Journal which is referenced in this movie, is really worth doing by any married couple. You want to truly know what love is in your marriage, then time for a little work! The dividends will last a lifetime.