Song of Songs 3:5 –
Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and wild deer, not to awaken love until the time is right.
I have to admit I don’t quite understand verse 4 and if anyone can give me clarity I would love that insight. But this one is crystal clear and very pointed at the young single women in this world. She is warning them not to “awaken love” too early in a relationship, or in other words don’t get involved sexually. Keep yourself pure until the “time is right,” which is after marriage in any context.
In today’s society that’s tough to sell, sex on demand is common. I understand that it is common for kids to become sexually active in middle school. And unfortunately we as parents are not great “models” since many of us can’t admit being “pure” before marriage and many get caught drifting during marriage. This undermines the value of one’s purity since it seems like “everyone’s doing it!” Unfortunately we have also seen sex destroy some very godly men in awful public spectacles, which undermine God’s Word. Sex sells and therefore it’s everywhere these days and it becomes difficult to keep God’s will clear.
I would love to give some advice from one who has drifted the wrong way for about 10 years. First to my young daughter, remember the sex drive of men is great and guys will “say anything” to make you vulnerable. If love is right it will stand the test of time. Make someone’s “love” wait for marriage, if it’s true it will. For my young son, honor the girl you eventually will love, and fight off any “advances” that some may make. Don’t allow your “urges” to control your seeking the “right” one, but understand love and seek it. Understand the difference between “love” and “lust” so one does not control your life.
The only example I may offer is a “bad” one. I did drift and let my urges take over for a while. It’s was a very difficult time in my life and I am sure I missed many great opportunities along the way, because my focus was on sex and not God. Fortunately God looked through my broken ways and through an unwanted pregnancy I was “nudged” by God to marry the right person and stop my folly. I am not saying God will guide you through a life of sin so you come out like I did with my soul mate and two awesome children. I have seen more Godly people’s lives destroyed because of sin than have my story. I often wonder if we would be in the same place if I followed God and remained in His will the entire time. I thank Him daily for taking my broken life and giving me three cherished people whom have shown me the true meaning of all forms of “love”!!
*** for you non geeks … “!=” means “Does Not Equal” in some computer programing languages 😉