Many people think of sex as a form of physical intimacy between two people that love one another. They would consider sexual intercourse as something that is most respectfully shared within the bonds of holy matrimony. Other people, quite frankly, just don't give a hoot about marriage. When it comes to sex, they get it whenever or wherever they can... no strings attached. Then there are those who pay for sex.
The question, however, might be asked, "Is sex ever free?"
It would seem that no matter how you approach a sexual relationship there is some cost involved. Whether the cost is emotional, mental, physical, spiritual or financial, there is always a price to be paid. Unfortunately, there are far too many men, and women too I suppose, who approach a sexual encounter as something that they can get on the run.
Remember the sexual revolution of the 60's? Everybody was talking about free love, when in fact they were referring to free sex. What ever happened to those sexually liberated individuals? Should anyone be surprised that the sexual revolution was followed right on its heels by the AIDS epidemic? Or is it any coincidence that this same generation had the highest divorce rate in the history of our nation? Just think of all those shattered families and emotionally traumatized children. And then too, one might wonder about all those individuals that found themselves in confusing love triangles for which they could find no other solution but drugs and alcohol to relieve their regrets and broken hearts.
I am sure there are plenty of individuals who could debate the causes for the change in attitude towards sexual relationships in the United States. But, it would seem that perhaps the movie and magazine industries have played a significant role in undermining the sanctity of sex. Quite honestly, a person can scarcely watch television, listen to the radio, or pick up a newspaper or magazine without there being some sexual content within moments. And, generally, the content in these mediums can be described as, enticing, liberating, or alluring.
It would seem that Americans, and now much of the industrial world, have discovered a "new" attitude towards sex which promises all of the excitement of unrestrained pleasure without any responsibility. Free sex! No obligations. No commitments. No explanations or excuses. Just, wham bam… thank you ma'am… or man. Who cares? Why should it matter? Nobody is going to get hurt. Right?
Well let's see… lies, cons, broken families, single parent children, child support, poverty, substance abuse, disease, remorse, depression, suicide, homicide… all because of one meaningless sexual encounter? Yes, it happens all the time. Free? I don't think so.
So, what is a person to do?
Hey… how about if people decide to have a little more dignity in themselves and respect for others? How about if we try to be a little more patient, a little more self-sacrificing and a lot more thoughtful and considerate about the consequences of our behavior not only on ourselves but on others? How about something novel, like loving someone more than we love ourselves and dedicating one's self to the future welfare of another human being? How about remembering that there is a God and we are not him? And how about doing what God has asked us to do… CLEAVE - DON'T LEAVE. Hold on to our partner. Don't let go. And maybe… just maybe… a little delayed gratification will pay off with a meaningful lifelong relationship that provides all of the pleasures that love can afford.
