understand it? ⁷ Not surprisingly then, all of us -- to some extent -- employ various defensive mechanisms in an effort to avoid examining ourselves. These mechanisms include:

• rationalization
• justification
• scape goating
• re-directing blame
• denial
• repression
• lying

Historically, our community has not openly dealt with issues of sexuality very well or very often. Some of the reasons are actually valid. Sexual intercourse is inherently a very private and intimate act. It's also something very sacred. Unlike the world, we view the matters of sexuality with a sense of reverence and holiness. It is not something to be profaned, perverted or debased.

On the other hand, many disciples, especially those new to the faith, wrestle with issues concerning about what is right and wrong in the arena of sexuality. All too often this void has not been filled with sound biblical exposition. Rather, too many only voice mere opinions. Yet, even where the Bible does speak, we fail to provide some of the sound, pragmatic reasons why God's ways are best. Our young people have become especially vulnerable to the "lies' of our peers.

While the Apostle Paul wisely counselled us to be 'wise unto that which is good, and simple [harmless] concerning evil," ⁸ the writer to the Hebrews also implored us to have our 'senses exercised to discern both good and evil. ⁹ Furthermore, even the Lord Jesus Christ himself counselled us to be 'wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." ¹⁰ Certainly we want to refrain from discussing sexuality in just a biological manner. We do well to avoid graphically talking about sex, especially those behaviours that are immoral or distasteful. In a limited sense, ignorance is bliss. As the Apostle Paul wrote, 'I had not known lust, except the law had said, 'Thou shalt not covet." ¹¹

On the other hand, we don't want to avoid exposition or discussion altogether because the void will be filled with partial or faulty information. This "silence" can result in disastrous consequences too.

How do we reconcile these two positions? Simple. We should exhort and encourage one another to...