worth singing about

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases. 

Song of Solomon 3:5

This is now the second time this refrain has been sung for us in the Song of Solomon (see also Song of Solomon 2:7). It is both a powerful statement and also a warning of the potential dangers of sexual attraction. The statement is one of natural beauty. It is a "good" thing for a couple to experience this mutual sexual desire. It makes marriages strong. It ultimately is what creates families. It is a beautiful part of God's handiwork and should be celebrated. In the right terms and times, sex is something worth singing about. The Bible does it!

Yet there is reason for a warning. Our sinful human natures can corrupt God's good gifts. We often do so. There is a time for sexual expression. In the song, immediately after the bride sings of her intense sexual longing, the scene shifts to Solomon coming to her on her wedding day (Song of Solomon 3:6-11). That is the proper time to stir up or awaken sexual love. The warning is not to let the desire run rampant outside of wedded vows.

Celebrating sex is a good thing. Celebrating it within marriage is the righteous way to do so. Plus it is fun! And we Christians should find a way to get this truth out there. Western culture often sinfully flaunts uncontrolled sexuality. But the best and most fulfilling sexual expression is not selfishly motivated. It is found within the strong commitment of a man and a woman in marriage. Want great sex? Get married and stay married for decades! Scripture is clear on this. Sex is not dirty. Sex is sacred. Sex is beautiful. Sex is naturally a part of what God has made that is "very good". Sex is full of the glory of God like any other part of creation.