A church member living overseas was telling a story to their child, who was not yet three years old, and mentioned that a family consists of a father and a mother. The child immediately responded, “That’s wrong. My teacher says there can be a mommy and a mommy!” The parents were momentarily at a loss for words. In another situation, a fellowship leader wanted to advise members against having a brother and a sister traveling together and sharing accommodations or going on staycations, but found it increasingly difficult to offer such counsel. “Sexual ethics” remains a taboo in Chinese society, but popular culture makes it impossible for us to ignore it. Many streaming platform series and movies that have made their way into our homes and minds include plots and scenes designed to stimulate the senses. Elements of homosexuality or sexual openness have long become “passwords for going viral” or “ideologically correct” commercial features, subtly reshaping social attitudes and perceptions.

       This quarter, our church’s sermon theme is Genesis. In the first six days of creation, God prepared the best possible environment for man. He then created mankind in His own image, male and female He created them. God saw that everything He had made was very good and He chose to bless humanity. Even before parents or family structures existed, God had already instituted marital relationship: “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame” (Genesis 2:24-25). The New Testament also reminds us to “let no one separate” in the relationship between husband and wife (Matthew 19:6). That is God’s design for the benefit of man. Yet, man has chosen to rebel against God’s creation order – Eve took the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; Cain took a life that God had created; mankind sought to build the Tower of Babel…

       However, even till now, the human heart still longs for love that is faithful and enduring. Numerous studies indicate that children benefit the most when their parents maintain a stable marriage, whereas parental divorce has a more detrimental effect on children than the loss of a parent due to death. All of this seems to affirm that God’s design for family and sexual ethics is for the good of humanity. But how can we uphold God’s perfect will? Beyond being vigilant against the influence of a culture of sexual openness, we must also help others (especially our children) understand and embrace God’s will.

       We need sound interpretation of God’s word and proper understanding of sexual ethics. Efforts in these areas are essential, or Christians would risk being misunderstood as blindly following rules without reason. Christian parents, in particular, must live out their faith at home, demonstrating mutual submission and love, so that their children can have a sense of security. Parental example speaks louder than words. If children see their parents constantly arguing and hurting each other, how can they not develop fear, rejection, or even a loss of confidence in a particular gender? Only by openly discussing both faith and sexual ethics at home – not just teaching young children about their biological differences and personal boundaries, but also addressing the emotional and physical changes of adolescence, as well as questions about sexuality – can we help our children embrace their faith. If we can wisely apply sociological research and respond in our various roles in ways that are both rational and compassionate, we will be able to address the genuine needs of people’s hearts and help society understand our Heavenly Father’s perfect will.