Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #24 — Sexuality

Picture: Counsel #24 — Sexuality CI 153.1

People talk a lot about sex, but rarely with reverence. It’s everywhere: in music, social media, movies, and most of it twists something sacred into something selfish. The world often treats sex like a casual transaction or a tool to gain power, validation, or pleasure without commitment, but God’s view is drastically different. CI 153.2

God created sex as a holy, life-giving bond between a man and a woman in the covenant of marriage. It’s meant to be joyful, deeply intimate, and a reflection of love that is selfless, faithful, and secure. It’s not just a physical act! It’s emotional, spiritual, and unifying. That’s why Scripture says, “The two shall become one flesh”.^[168] Biblical masculinity sees sex not as a conquest but as a covenant. A godly man honors boundaries, values consent, and understands that sex isn’t something owed, but a sacred act shared. That being said, non-consensual sex, even within marriage, is a violation of God’s design. There is no room in God’s kingdom for domination, coercion, or entitlement. Seeing that masculine sexuality is about honoring God with your body and mind and respecting the body and soul of another is imperative to understanding God’s character of love and His desire to be consensually one with us.^[169] CI 153.3

“You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:20 NIV CI 153.4

“It is not pure love which actuates a man to make his wife an instrument to administer to his lust.” Ellen White in A Solemn Appeal, p. 171 CI 153.5

Reflect: Do your actions regarding sex reflect the world’s view, or God’s? CI 153.6