Body Talk

Let's talk about sex for a moment.

Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: 'It is well for a man not to touch a woman.' But because of cases of sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For 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 7:1-4

We don't have the letter written to Paul that this is in response to, so we can only guess what the matters were that he is addressing here.

Paul is often considered to be against women, because he proposes that women obey their husbands, but here he takes a stand that is a bit less one sided.

Now many may raise objections at first, upon hearing him say that men have authority over the body of their wife, but he counters with the same measure for men.  Wives have authority over the body of their husband.

Can we agree with that?

We probably would word it differently, saying each has authority over his or her own body, but that could lead to problems, couldn't it?

Consenting adults who are married to people other than those with whom they are consenting, should not be consenting.  So, having authority over one's own body doesn't guarantee that one will stay faithful and true does it?

Paul believes we are far less likely to raid the cabinet if someone else holds the keys, and when it comes to our sexual behavior, he may have a good point.

When we see our bodies as no longer ours but given to someone else, we may find it easier to keep them free of temptation.  In fact it may be easier for us to respect that ownership more than if we see ourselves as owned by God.

Paul even acknowledges that in a way.  While he favors celibacy, at least for himself, he says that may not work for everyone.  If you feel you can't live without sex, then get married.

Strange advice from an apostle, perhaps, but there is something to be said for committing oneself to another. 

When we give our hearts to the one we want to share our lives with, it only makes sense that we give that person everything. 

So, the next time your body wants something, remember who has authority over it. 

I wonder if that works for overeating as well.

More to come...