Lessons Go Both Ways: A 3-Day Parenting PlanSample

The Gift of Sex

Your father’s blessings are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains.

Genesis 49:26

The Lord gave us the holy gift of physical intimacy as a means for expressing love between husband and wife. We are told that when a man and wife unite in marriage, they become “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Solomon’s Song of Songs clearly celebrates sexual pleasure between married lovers. In today’s immoral culture, however, that purpose has been twisted. Sexual “freedom” is preached with evangelistic fervor. A motel marquee suggests to its patrons, “Have your next affair with us.” Premarital virginity and marital fidelity are portrayed as outdated concepts. In this warped atmosphere, how can parents instill healthy attitudes toward the gift of sexual intimacy?

You can start by taking a leadership role. Gradually introduce your kids to God’s plan for sex, beginning at age three or four and ending shortly before puberty. Let your kids’ questions be a guide to how much you should reveal. And if they don’t ask, don’t wait for someone else to fill in the blanks. When our son, Ryan, showed no interest in the subject of sex, I (JCD) finally took him on a fishing trip and suggested we discuss “how babies are made and all that.” Ryan said, “What if I don’t wanna know?” I dragged him kicking and screaming into the world of adult sexuality.

We are told to “Train a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). That means we are to teach our children about all of God’s gifts and truths—including His wonderful gift of sex—when the timing is right.

Before you say good night . . .

• How much do your children know about sex?
• What are you doing to counteract immoral sexual messages?

Heavenly Father, we ask You to help us raise our children with the love You inspire, the reverence You intend, and the attitudes You desire for each of us toward the unique blessing of sexual intimacy. Amen.

Excerpted from Night Light for Parents, used with permission.

Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the LORD.” (Gen. 4:1, ESV)

Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. (Gen. 4:17a, ESV)