A Day-by-day devotional

March 30, 2023

Touch not what isn’t yours

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Judges 8-10

Scripture of the Day: 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

I was once at a supermarket. At the fruits section, there were lush and delicious-looking green mangoes, and all other sorts of fruits, both locally produced and the imported tropical ones. Next to them was the sign in German, “Touch me first when I am yours.“

In today’s society, chastity as a virtue is hardly still ever valued. Shows and movies promote casual sex rather strongly that society, and yes, even the church, have become desensitized to the fact that pre- and extra-marital sex is sin (Hebrews 13:4). Sex has become undervalued and treated as a commodity instead of a special gift from the author of life.

Some use the ring as a determining point. They would say, put a ring on the finger first. Then all is okay. However, there appears to be a common misunderstanding that the ring being referred to here is the engagement ring, and not the wedding ring.

When God designed the physical union of man and woman, He had it in mind that two individual souls will become one (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6). This union is not intended for but a few minutes, but for a lifetime. Therefore, a covenant such as marriage should seal this union. According to 1 Corinthians 7:2, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. This tells us that marriage union is exclusive. Furthermore, Paul exhorts that it is better to marry than to burn with passion. What this means is that, if passionate love exists between a man and a woman who are not married, if they consummate their love outside of marriage, it is considered sin. Therefore, so as not to succumb to temptation and succeeding sexual sin, it is better to get married. To engage in sexual activity outside of marriage is sin. We cannot justify otherwise, if we are to stick to biblical truth.

Therefore, just like those fruits at the supermarket, however luscious they may appear to be, sexual and physical intimacy should be reserved for those who are actually buying into the lifetime commitment of marriage. Touch, only when it is legally, exclusively and rightfully yours, before God, and before man.

Reflection: How do you guard your sexual purity? If you’re single, how do you guard yourself from the rising temptations that the world offers? If you’re married, what steps do you take to keep your marriage bed holy and undefiled?

Prayer: Loving Creator of the heavens and all the earth, thank you for the gift of pro-creation you bestowed upon mankind. Thank you that through the gift of sexual intimacy, life continues to perpetuate upon the earth. May I be able to personally guard the sanctity of this gift, by guarding my heart and body while single. Likewise, may I be able to fight for the holiness of my marriage bed, keeping it undefiled. If I have ever sinned in this area in the past, or even now, thank you for your forgiveness and restoration. May your Holy Spirit be my constant guide. Amen.