Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Teaching sexuality is, first and foremost, a family’s responsibility. It cannot be delegated or abdicated. It is the responsibility of the two people who brought the child into the world by the act of sex to teach about sex through appropriate words, faithfulness, and commitment to marriage.

Today’s (and tomorrow’s) passage exhorts parents to be involved.

Song of Solomon 8:8-10
We have a little sister, and she has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister on the day when she is spoken for? If she is a wall, we will build on her a battlement of silver, but if she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar. I was a wall, and my breasts were like towers; then I was in his eyes as one who finds peace.

Song of Solomon 8:8 is a clear reference to a young girl, and the question is: What responsibility do we have until she is spoken for—until she is engaged and married? In other words, “How can we prepare her for God’s gift?” “If she is a wall” refers to one who stands firm against the advancement of men. If the young girl remains virtuous and pure, her family will “build on her a battlement of silver.” The tower was in the strategic part of the city. It was the place where battle gear was hung. The battle gear exhibited a sense of strength. If she stands strong and remains pure, the family vows to honor her and encourage her. They will say, “Way to go!  We are so proud of you! Stay strong. We will be right here to encourage you.”

But what if she is promiscuous? We will consider how parents should respond to that tomorrow.

Father, may we never ignore, delegate, or abdicate the responsibility to teach our children about your great gift of sex. In Jesus’ name. Amen.