Lori and I have been married for what will be 27 years in just a few weeks. We have enjoyed our time together as partners and are looking forward to the next 27 years. Where our time together has not been without its challenges, we are still in love with one another and continue to grow closer. And our closeness includes our physical relationship as well. We are certainly giving fully of one another to the other.
“3The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.” — 1 Corinthians 7:3-4 (ESV)
I do not want to get too deep into the weeds here of our physical relationship other than to say that we are happy to be there for one another. Our physical relationship is a gift that we accept and are thankful for.
This is not to say that being celibate is not without its goodness either. Paul was celibate for the duration of his ministry and counted it a gift as well. Paul was fully devoted to the LORD and counted himself blessed to do so.
“6Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. 7I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. 8To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am.” — 1 Corinthians 7:6-8 (ESV)
Paul is content with the lack of human physical relationships as he is fully committed to the relationship with Christ. He makes it clear that where this is the life for him, he fully understands that the gift of celibacy for him may not be such a gift for others and where it is not, then the physical relationship should be sought, but only under the guise of marriage.
Both the physical relationship with a spouse, and/or celibacy are a gift to be celebrated. Whereas Lori and our marriage is a gift from God, our physical relationship is as well. Yet that is not to say that the celibate relationship with God is not a gift in and of itself. My mothers 45 year celibate relationship with God is just as beautiful as our 27 year marriage to one another.
Which gift are you enjoying today? Are you concerned that no physical relationship is somehow not as rewarding? What if you count your relationship as a gift, whether physical or not and embraced the love between you and God or you and your spouse as a gift from God?
Trevor's Thoughts 