Is Sexting A Sin?

IS SEXTING A SIN?

“Sexting” is obscene texting. It is the act of sending sexually explicit messages and/or photographs, usually between mobile phones.  Sexting has become so prevalent that, in August 2012, the word sexting was listed for the first time in Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.

Some people view sexting as harmless.  After all, there are only a few words and maybe some pictures involved. It’s not as if people are actually committing adultery or fornication, right?

Matthew 5:28 says, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart."

This moral concept also applies to how women look at men, and Jesus clearly equates lust with adultery here.  So, the fact that "only words or pictures are involved" is obviously immaterial to God.  What matters is what is in our hearts. Colossians 3:5 warns us to "Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:" In other words, we are to put away sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires.

Galatians 5:19–21 reveals the severe consequences of disobedience in this matter.  "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, [20] Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, [21] Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."

But What About Sexting Between A Married Couple?  

Technically, sexting between a husband and his wife would not be a sin since a satisfying sex life is a gift God gives to married couples.  However, it's still not recommended.  We never know who might read our messages or view our pictures.  It’s possible that someone may happen to see nude photos of your spouse over your shoulder, and this may cause lust in that person as a result. Sound unlikely? 

James 1:14-15 "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. [15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

Given recent revelations concerning government surveillance of cellular telephone and internet traffic, as well as the ability of hackers to intercept personal communications, we should be careful in our use of phones and web-enabled devices.  Even if we’re not sexting, we still face the problems of identity theft and data privacy.

It’s best to follow the advice of 1 Corinthians 10:31 "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."