It happens all the time. A seemingly brilliant man is caught in a scandal of immorality. A wife is betrayed. A family is fractured. Hopes are dashed. A child grows up in a home without a father. Gangs become the new family for those who are emotionally orphaned. Without moral models, young men search for their manhood in exploits of sex and violence. Illegitimacy rises. The poverty trap swallows the new progeny. Such scenarios have become part of our societal landscape.

The sexual revolution of the sixties cast aside the wisdom of a previous age when the moral consensus was based upon the Judeo-Christian ethics of the Bible. The pursuit of pleasure eclipsed the pursuit of righteousness. Free love meant freedom to 'love the one you're with'. Old-fashioned propriety gave way to new sexual experimentation. It was as if unlimited orgasms were the first guarantee in the bill of rights. It is all part of the undeniable right to the 'pursuit of happiness'.

Sexuality has become highly politicized in America. States have begun to retire laws that outlaw fornication, adultery and sodomy. Not only are people declaring their independence from sexual morality, but personal views of sexuality are being politicized. The ideas of what it means to be a woman, a man, a hetero, bi- or homosexual, have taken on great political significance and are major factors in the establishment of public policy. Definitions are now up for grabs- What is the role of a 'man', a 'woman'? How do you define a 'family'? What constitutes a 'marriage'?

In contrast to this libertine world-view that now dominates the thinking of Western culture, the New Testament gives a radical re-thinking of sexuality. The Corinthians of the first century had their own sexual revolution with aberrant sexual behavior becoming accepted as part of their local pagan rituals. Naturally those who heard the gospel of Jesus Christ had many questions. The Apostle Paul tried to answer those questions in his letter to the Corinthians: "Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman. But because of immoralities, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband." (1Corinthians 7:1). He teaches that: Sex is a gift from God designed exclusively for marriage. Our bodies belong to God and are to honor God (1Corinthians 6:13-19). Sexuality is linked with spirituality (1Corinthians 6:17). Fornication is a sin against your own body (1Corinthians 6:18). His letter also teaches that 'Sexuality' is about God-ordained differences.

Chastity is not optional. Husbands and wives are not to withhold sex as emotional blackmail. Husbands and wives owe each other love and respect. Intimacy is about much more than sex. There are advantages to being single. Celibacy should not be considered a curse nor should it be legalistically adhered to if a person desires later on to get married (1Corinthians 7:36-38). He gives counsel in regard to separation, divorce and remarriage.

Our culture is disorientated as it takes its cues from every special interest group instead of the definitive handbook on what it means to be a human being, the Bible. We were made to reflect God's moral image. Let God define and direct your life, not your marital status, your subjective feelings, opinions or hormones. God's definition and direction of your life should take precedence over any perceived sexual orientation or lust. Let your love continually be purified. Live and love as one who understands that your calling and your sexuality are gifts from God.

Whether single or married, order your life to best serve the Lord.