Some Thoughts on Real Sex by Lauren Winner

This book is a must-read for anyone in the church who is a sexual being…which includes everyone, of course. I have just finished up a book study with a small group of college women as we worked our way through this beautiful, transparent teaching on the spiritual discipline of chastity…a long-neglected topic in our sexualized culture.

Some of the memorable take home ideas:

o Chastity is a spiritual discipline meant to be lived out in community.

o How we conduct ourselves sexually forms who we are as people.

o Our struggle with living chastely parallels our spiritual struggle for faithfulness to God.

o The passion of falling in love and remaining committed in a life long covenant of marriage is a parallel to God’s everlasting love for us.

o Our perfect model of humanity, Jesus Christ, lived his life as a chaste, single person, and whether we are single for a season or a lifetime our life is to be lived in passionate devotion to Him.

As we finished up our study I highlighted a few verses from Song of Songs as an encouragement to my group. I urged them to respect themselves and their sexuality and to rely on Christ to live a life that glorifies Him.

I prayed a benediction over them that went something like this as we finished:

As you go from this place, devote yourself to God and his overwhelming love. Remember that your vineyard is your own to give. Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.

If indeed God has called you to the covenant of marriage, find someone who is your brother in Christ with whom to share your life. Someone who will not only be your lover, but also your friend. As his wife your lifelong goal will be to become in his eyes the one who brings contentment.

May the passion of your life be God’s glory in all of your relationships, and may your most intimate relationships cause greater devotion to God in all who witness them.

The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make His face to shine upon you, the Lord turn His countenance upon you and grant you His peace.