Sexting

Recently, our daughter became a victim of sexting in the form of nude photos of a young man. I choose the word victim because this was something that was not encouraged and was a complete shock for her. Sexting has become somewhat of a hot topic in the news, with 48% of teens having received a sext message in one form or another. This is an appalling problem, but that’s not what this blog is about. What concerns me the most is the reaction of our daughter’s friends, brothers & sisters in Christ. They laughed. Even when they knew she was upset, they still laughed. Some even began telling their own sexual exploit stories and jokes (immediately following Wednesday night church services, mind you). What dreadful times we live in!
Granted, I have a few select friends that I have enjoyed a crude joke or two with and for that I am presently ashamed to admit. If you ever catch me laughing at or saying something inappropriate (which is easy for any of us to fall into in this present age), PLEASE STOP ME! Just hold up your hand and remind me to live Ephesians 5.
Our culture is completely saturated with sexual innuendos and coarse jesting and it is wrong…..sometimes funny, but WRONG. We have become so comfortable in the world that we are not even aware that we have become just like them. Honestly, how many of you out there have either said or laughed at “that’s what she said”? Come, on. Raise your hand. I know you’ve done it. I don’t even watch the show (The Office), and I’ve caught myself saying it. If you have no idea what I’m talking about at this point, be glad.
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” How often do we fall short of this? This isn’t a new problem either. Colossians 3 tells us to put away obscene talk for our mouths.
Some of you reading this, think this is no big deal, but if you read Ephesians 5 very carefully, you can see that it is not only shameful but that you need to be sincerely searching your heart to discern whether or not your heart & life are truly surrendered to God.
Ephesians 5
5:1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Okay, so if you’re still with me, we’re agreed that this is a problem. We’ve admitted it, confessed it, and perhaps apologized for it. Now what? How can we stop this from reoccurring, especially given the prominence of it among those we come into contact with? The best way to get rid of a bad habit is to replace it with a good one. So for starters, we can apply Phil. 4:8-9 to our lives;

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”

Okay, but what about dealing with our friends who are still participating in this? If you’ve confronted them privately and they still will not repent, your first reaction should be one of prayer. Pray for your friend. Some of them will laugh and joke their way right into a life that is completely desolate and without hope or peace. Your second reaction should be to walk away. Don’t make a scene or walk away with a pouty attitude, just quietly leave. There is nothing more to say. It is important for us to remember that we are the temple of the living God. Read II Corinthians 6:16-18:
What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said,
“I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they shall be my people.
17 Therefore go out from their midst,
and be separate from them, says the Lord,
and touch no unclean thing;
then I will welcome you,
18 and I will be a father to you,
and you shall be sons and daughters to me,
says the Lord Almighty.”
We are to be separate, holy, a royal priesthood. I’m not talking stuck-up, Pharisee-like behavior. I’m talking humble (knowing how easy it is for us to be tempted) and prayerful obedience to God. I’m talking about striving to humbly walk worthy of the robes of righteousness that our Lord Jesus Christ died to place upon us. How about it? Who’s with me? Who will help me stand?