Some time ago, in an effort to teach some high school students a difficult principle, I took them for a walk. As we strolled outside, I pointed out the beauties of the earth, the lush green grass, the tall majestic shade trees, [and] the delicate and beautiful flowers. To say that they were less than impressed would be an understatement. I think they suspected that I was up to something.

When we were back in the classroom, I asked them what it was that was responsible for all of that beauty and wonder outside. I got various answers. At that point, I walked over to one of my many potted plants in my classroom, and I took out a handful of soil. I asked them what it was.

I got the predictable answer, “dirt.”

I – I then explained to them that “dirt” is a dirty word to a soil scientist.

“It’s not dirt,” I said. “It’s soil.”

I then asked them to consider how important to us is soil? Well, it didn’t take very long to realize that soil is a very precious commodity, responsible in large measure for life on this planet. Without it, most, if not all, of us wouldn’t be here. It is the essence of life itself. Our bodies are made from the very dust of this earth. What do you owe to dirt? Hmm – more than you think.

Well, now with their understanding of soil deepened, I took my soil, walked over to the nearest student, and dumped it all over her desk, her books, and I think even her – and if I remember right, I scattered some of it around the room too. My students looked at me a little shocked!

After giving them a moment to recover, I then asked, “All right, now what is it?”

Someone said something like this, “A mess.”

I then explained that soil in its proper place and time is a wonderful God-given life-giving precious gift. But when it’s thrown in the middle of their living room, all over them, their family, and their carpet, it’s just dirt, cheap filth! It doesn’t belong there.

My dear friends, so it is with human intimacy. Sexual relations between a man and a woman legally authorized by God are sacred, God-given, and precious. They are the wonderful source of life and unspeakable joy to God’s children. But when sex and the sacred are reduced to cheap entertainment, and callously thrown into my living room like so much digital dirt, no longer is it sacred. It is out of its place and time; it becomes filth. And any person who claims a right to pass on this evil – has no right, and has turned love into a lie.

For the sake of life on this planet – don’t let them.