The topic of sex is something we listen to on the radio, read about in the news, and think about on a daily basis. But the hard questions regarding sexual intercourse are not so often addressed.
I've concluded that there are only three perspectives on sex that one can hold in our day and age, at least for those willing to ask the hard questions. These questions ask why humans even have sexual desires? Why are there so many issues involving sex? And why is sex like a water well that never quenches our thirst?
Perspective 1: Sex is a diet.
People who see sex as a diet refrain from it all together. Because it feels good they believe it must be wrong. When I say it feels good I mean how it feels to sink your teeth into a sugar-coated deep fried doughnut. Yes we can all agree that it feels good, unless maybe you have no teeth, then it might just feel weird.
So this perspective holds that something that tastes or feels so good must be bad for you. However, any people group that abstains from sex will not last more than a generation, for procreation is a must for life to continue.
Perspective 2: Sex is fast food.
People who treat sex like fast food indulge in it as much as possible. Their mindset holds that because sex feels good it must be good for you. Since it provides instant gratification it should be done with whomever, whenever. In other words, it's a sin not to gratify the desire.
Anyone who holds this perspective will soon discover that indulging in one's lustful desires is actually enslaving oneself to something that will never bring satisfaction. When I say satisfaction I mean long term gratification. Which leads us to the third and final perspective on sex, one that looks beyond the present and acknowledges the sacredness of sexual intercourse.
Perspective 3: Sex is a banquet.
This perspective sees the pleasure of sex as pointing toward something beyond this world. Someone who holds this view, believes that if sex feels good, it must be designed as a preview of a coming attraction.
We all know the biological purpose of intercourse is to reproduce. In the animal kingdom, one animal mates with another so that life continues. But sex in humanity is quite a different picture than what we see in animals.
Someone who holds this perspective believes that fulfillment comes not from sexual intercourse, but from something greater and much more rewarding. Like waiting at a banquet for the main course, this perspective seeks gratification not in sex but observes the longing and desire for sexual intercourse as a preview of what's to come.
These three perspectives are explored in more detail in Christopher West's book "Fill These Hearts." I challenge you to ask yourself, "Which perspective do I hold, and why."
