1 Kings 11:1-8; Song of Solomon 1-8; 1 Kings 11:9-11:42; 2 Chronicles 1

The Song of Solomon (or, Song of Songs) is a divinely-inspired ode to the passionate expression of human love as designed by God. Once we get beyond both the embarrassment (for some) and the archaic language (try calling your with a goat) we see what our Creator has in mind for us. Both physically and emotionally we are designed by God for a man and a woman to bond together as one in romantic and selfless love. At least, that’s the plan.

When we allow this to work the way Elohim designed us, fulfillment, joy and companionship bless our lives as husband and wife. When enjoyed as God designed and decrees this not something dirty, shameful or unclean as far too many have labelled or treated it. The Song of Solomon expresses the beautiful side of romantic love.

The problem – as usual – is not in the use, but in the abuse of a good and perfect gift from God. Whether it be the people of God and the idolaters, true worship and will worship, or the marriage bed and fornication, Scripture repeated warns against mixing the holy and the profane. People abuse the good things God has given us and spiritual harm results. Our Creator knows us best and He knows what is best. When we are willing to listen and obey, spiritual growth results.

Let’s go back to Solomon. The beauty of romantic love was tainted because he did not follow the LORD’s instruction to not marry foreign wives. Yahweh knew the lure was powerful, and Hebrew men would be drawn to the idols of these women. Even the wisest mortal man was not immune. Solomon abused the blessing of love and turned his back on God. The wonderful gift God gave him, became a tool in the arsenal of Satan to use against him.

The wisdom to lead a nation can only come after we acquire the wisdom to lead ourselves. Self-control is truly a spiritual gift. The wisdom that so many honored with their words and gifts during Solomon’s reign was ultimately ineffectual for the man himself because he did not walk in wisdom personally. The wonderful gift of wisdom that God gave him was abused by Solomon in his own personal stubbornness.

So it is with all of us. What will we do with two great and wonderful gifts from God, our sexuality and our minds? Only when we are willing to take on the teaching of God and allow it to permeate our emotions and sexuality can we enjoy these things within the context and constraints of God’s will, not our will. Only within the love of God can the sexual love between a man and a woman thrive without abuse. Only within the love of God can the influence of love over us be profitable, spiritual and fulfilling.

Folks, this world is in dire need of these truths. It’s no wonder the Bible is filled with teaching and examples of fornication, adultery and perversion, because this world is overrun by it. Our young people are in peril in their generation just as we were in our own generation. God has given us the responsibility to teach and to train and we must. How will they learn if we do not teach them? How will they know if we do not show them? How can we show them, if we do not understand this ourselves?

As with all things from God, enjoy to the fullest the blessings He pours out. Exercise the self-control to avoid abusing what God has given you. Live the life that God designed you to live!

Consider His nature.  Consider His ways.  Strive to love Him more!