Counsels on Lifestyle

Counsel #12 — In The Beginning

Picture: Counsel #12 — In The Beginning CLi 99.1

Since the beginning of time, even before we were created, God designed sex to be beautiful and pleasurable; a sacred expression of love and unity within the covenant of marriage.^[90] This God-ordained union joins man and woman as one, equipping them to work together as partners and helpmates to fulfill His purpose for their lives on earth. CLi 99.2

Sex was created not only for procreation—to “be fruitful and multiply”—but also to glorify God through holiness, and selfless giving. Our bodies are not our own; they are temples of God, meant to remain pure inside and out as His dwelling place. Allowing pornography into our minds invites the devil into our lives, leaving no room for God. To maintain a pure relationship free from sinful influences, reflect on God's original design for relationships. If pornography is a part of your life, acknowledge that it falls short of God desires. Ask Him for the strength to turn away from temptation, so He can dwell fully in the temple He created you to be. CLi 99.3

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” Hebrews 13:4 NIV CLi 99.4

“God has ordained that there should be perfect love and perfect harmony between those who enter into the marriage relation.” Ellen White in Letters to Young Lovers, p. 5 CLi 99.5

Reflect: What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping you to resist temptation to live a godly life? CLi 99.6