The Smartt View

“Fifty Shades of Grey” is nothing to write home about. Are you kidding? Your mother would kill you. But it is one of the most popular book series of all time. So now a movie is coming out. I’m not going to give the book series or the movie credence by explaining the plot or the graphic nature of the writing. It’s not worth that.

When the movie comes out, some of you may be tempted to rant. I understand. What happened to real romance in America? What happened to the slow-burning fire of a life-long love? Why would anyone call graphic sexual abuse love?

I’m blessed to speak and interact with a lot of 20-somethings. And I can tell you the tide has definitely turned over the years. I’m concerned. But when it comes to love, the real question isn’t about “Fifty Shades of Grey” or popular culture’s skewed view. No. The world is the world. It’s messed up.

The real question is much more simple. When it comes to love, what do our OWN lives portray? What are we teaching our children? Oh, I don’t mean what we’re saying. No. I’m not talking about the words we’re using when explaining about love or morality or marriage. No. I mean, what are they seeing? Are we affectionate and selfless with our spouses? Are we givers or takers? When it comes to those we love, do we exchange pleasant words or bitter come-backs? Are young people witnessing the daily blessings of a love that doesn’t give up? Do we make love and marriage look good?

The human heart will always cry out for love. Intimacy. Sex. Passion. Oneness with another person. We desperately want to rescue and be rescued. The whole nine yards. It’s a wonderful mysterious longing. A desire to be one with another person. “Fifty Shades of Grey” is attempting to answer that need. But we can do better. Much better. Our lives can point young people to a passionate fulfilling love that lasts. Vows that are worth taking. Commitments worth keeping. Romance. Beauty.

I know. It’s 2015. But I’m not ashamed to say it. Not at all. Sex is a wonderful, exciting, passionate gift designed for a life-long marriage. Designed for a lifetime of blessing, not momentary hurt and exploitation. So instead of ranting about the new movie, let’s do something far more helpful. Let’s love in such a way that people take notice. C’mon, friend. Don’t give up. Let’s give ‘em something worth talking about.
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