A Reasonable Request

Every Monday we’ll post something about maintaining your sexual integrity. Hope it helps.

—

A Reasonable Request

I’ve just inherited a BMW, forest green, slightly used, top condition. It’s out of my league, not to mention my budget, as I’m traditionally a Camry or Camaro man. But my mother, who is ill and no longer able to drive, kept it sitting unused in her garage for so long that she graciously decided to sign it over to me as a gift and expression of appreciation for the help I’m giving her in this season of her life. Her only request is that I care for it, use it wisely, and keep its value in mind. It is, after all, both a gift and a commission, one I couldn’t have acquired on my own. So her request is surely a fair one.

So the first order of business will be a tarp to protect it from dust and the elements. I’m pouring over the manual, naturally, getting used to the various bells and whistles the car comes with. And I’ve picked out the nearest dealership for service, calculating mileage and estimated driving distances like I was baking a cake. The vessel’s an inheritance, and caring for it not only honors the thing itself but the one who gave it to me. In the midst of all this fuss I’m reminded of the other vessel I acquired, through no effort of my own, over 57 years ago, and am convicted to re-think my attitude towards it.

Right off the bat I notice it’s out of my league, in that I still don’t fully understand it, and could never have purchased it. Cosmetically it’s nowhere near where it used to be, but it’s in working order, capable of so much good or evil, and it’s the only one I‘ll be given. So caring for it properly honors not only the thing itself but the One who gave it to me, the same one who inspired Paul to write:

I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 5:1)

Fair enough, and interesting as well, because in obeying this verse I’m presenting to Him what He already owns. (Note Paul’s other remark about the body in I Corinthians 6:19-20, where he refers to it as the temple of the Holy Spirit then cautions,  “ — ye are not your own. For you have been bought with a price.”) That makes me doubly answerable, ion that I am driving a vehicle not belonging to me, but out in my hands nonetheless, the Owner entrusting me with something He wants me to have, enjoy, and use properly.

To that end it comes with a manual, explaining many of the bells and whistle features, one of them being this mystery we broadly call our sexuality. My responses, reproductive capacities, passions and needs are linked to it, all requiring upkeep, maintenance, watchfulness. I may bless it or curse it, but there it is. I am expected to care for the mysteries of this Temple, fully enjoying it as the User, but always keeping an eye towards the Owner for guidance as to how He wants me to drive, park and care for His gift to me, which I know, at the beginning of each day, must re-commit to Him.

So today, Lord, I again say this is Yours. Your will be done in this instrument You both created and commissioned. I will at times be distracted, wanting to speed when I should cruise, turn where there’s no turn lane, and park where I’ve no business loitering. Be a gentle officer today, indicating the direction without punishing, and protecting when I’m in over my head. And at the end of the day, may I be able to say I tried to honor You by properly managing the vehicle, and may You be pleased with my reasonable service.