sanctifying the language of human sexuality

Frankly, I'm a little tired of the "meeting the culture where they're at" line.  We could say that about many things.  Swearing, for example.  We could just swear like the populace, as Christians, just so they feel comfortable talking to us because we use language in the same way.

 But most of us don't do that.  Most Christians don't swear (much).  Why not?  Probably because it is debasing the language.  By using such language, we debase ourselves.  When and if we use bad language, our conscience if tweaked.

Let's take it a step further.  Let's meet the culture where they're at by our behaviour.  So they feel comfortable talking to us and so that they know we REALLY understand.  Let's dress provocatively.  Let's peruse pornography.  Let's call it "casual sex" and while we're at it, we might as well have some, so we can meet them where they are at.  So we can meet them where they're at.

I don't think so, my friends.

Of course we don't meet them where they are at in any other arena except language.

In all other arenas, we RAISE the standard.  We set the bar high.  We will witness to a culture by how we discuss intimacy in all its gloriousness or in all its sinfulness using appropriate language. Witness usually happens just by going about daily business by speaking, dressing, acting, being.  But if one being witnessed TO doesn't understand the language, a simple explanation may be effective.

For example, "Sex is a really vague term, that means a lot of different things, some beautiful and some perverse.  I try to use words that more accurately define what I mean."

It isn't that big of a deal.  We frequently raise the language about things in the natural world because of their sacredness.  Birth and death are good examples.  Someone gives birth, brings a baby into the world, delivers...not pop the kid out.

Someone passes on, receives their heavenly reward, meets their maker...not croaks or kicks the bucket.  To use crass phrases turns the whole thing into a base joke.  We don't "munch on Jesus" in the Eucharist or "take a swig" of the Precious Blood,  we receive Him.  We just don't talk that way.

And it is good.  Sanctify the language.  Of love and life, of the body.  To sanctify the language is to praise God.