Words have power. Words provide meaning. What does “body count” mean? And, what does the phrase “body count” have to do with intimate relationships? Traditionally, body count related to the number of deaths. Today, body count relates to the number of one-night stands. Traditionally, marriage was a sacred institution. It still is. How has something ordained by God been demoted to “body count” by culture today? The devaluing and trivialization of a sacred bond is sad. Relationships should be honored. “Body count” is not honoring. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20……Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.
There are many pressures, temptations, and easy access to pornography and casual sex in society as a teenager or young adult today. “Purity culture” has been labeled as problematic. But that’s not altogether true. It is true that there is the terrible temptation to shame or label people based on past histories, or judge ones who were sexually assaulted or who made early decisions. The expectation to stay “pure” or to wait until marriage can put much guilt and judgment on people today, and especially if it places parents or caregivers as guard dogs. That doesn’t work either. Is purity “legalism” or is purity a gift or is lack of purity a trophy? Words have power, don’t they?
Putting Christ at the center must enter the equation of purity though. Focus on Him first in your relationships. Honor others. The way we honor one another can shift the equation from legalism as it relates to purity. The focus can shift off the self and “purity” to God along with the other and respect. When we have honorable relationships with God at the center, love can develop. Love has power. “What’s my body count?” Lovingly, it’s none of your business…….. I honor God, others, and myself so I don’t share about my personal relationships. I focus on God and choose to wait for marriage (I may or may not share this last part depending on closeness in the relationship) so I don’t convey any leaning towards judgmentalism.
Words have power. Body count degrades God, others, and yourself. Ephesians 4:29 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.
Loved ones…………. Romans 8:1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.
Be free in Christ.
Blessings, April
flourishings.blog 