By David Ben-Ariel
Many
If the homosexual argument that "as long as we're happy and inlove" is valid, couldn't the same defense be made to sanctionincestuous relationships? Or premarital experiences oradulterous affairs? Do we always know what's best for us?Couldn't we be like grown-up teenagers who think they knoweverything, when in reality they don't?
Hasn't it been said, and true at times, that "love is blind?"Is it just a matter of feeling happy? Can't feelings fool ussometimes? Isn't that why family and friends have cautioned usto "keep your head above your heart?" Is all love proper? Areall affections good and healthy? What about being "lovesick?"Shouldn't there be some form of standards to judge by orcriteria for character? Isn't there any game plan? Hasn't lovetoo often been confused with lust (2 Sam. 13:15)?
Satan is "love!"
If we look into the Bible (not Freud, the latest sexual survey,or some kinky report), we'll find that it does condemn: the loveof vanity (Ps. 4:2), of simplicity (Prov. 1:22), of excessivesleep (Prov. 20:13), of religious lies (2 Thes. 2:10), illicitsex, improper lovers, and "foreign affairs" (Ezek. 23:11, 17,22; 16:37), of evil (Micah 3:2), drunkenness (Hos. 3:1),self-righteousness (Mat. 6:5; 23:6), of money (1 Tim. 6:10),this present world system and its ways (1 Jn. 2:15), spiritualdarkness (Jn. 3:19), the kick-back of wrongdoing (2 Pet. 2:15),of ourselves in an unhealthy way and of cheap thrills (2Tim.3:2,4), violence (Ps. 11:5), strife (Prov. 17:19), and evenhaving a greater love for family or friends than for God (Matt.10:37).
Therefore, the Bible clearly reveals that various forms of loveand feelings are wrong, that certain human relationships areforbidden and condemned (Lev. 18), and that true love must beconsistent with God's character and commandments (1 Jn. 5:3).Any other "love" isn't from God, but from Satan who is (such)"love!" He's the clever counterfeit; the snake who confuses theissues and twists the truth. It's precisely because God is Love(1 Jn. 4:8) that He wants to protect us from those Canaanitecustoms, perverted practices, and harmful ways that wouldultimately undermine our land and lives (Lev. 18:30).
Still, some would angrily question how anyone could allow someold-fashioned Book to dictate their lives; after all, it'sthousands of years old! But who would argue that thetime-honored commandments against murder, or prohibition thatprotects private property or safeguards marriage and minds, orupholds honesty and virtue and being content are outdated?They're tried, tested, and true. Naturally, it's easier toaccept something as long as it doesn't hit home or step on ourtoes. It's still typical, "A man (or woman) convinced againsthis will is of the same opinion still." Don't waste your timeconfusing them with the facts (Matt. 7:6; 15:14).
Obviously, this is a very sensitive subject. If someone doesbecome convinced or converted to the truth - great! More powerto them. But if others choose to continue in their contrarylifestyles, dying for sex rather than living for God and HisKingdom - that's their choice. God gives us all the prerogativeto do as we please, but He strongly recommends and encourages usto "choose life" (Deut. 30:10); an even more appropriate messageconsidering the high risk of AIDS. It's so difficult toTRANSCEND HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS - but we must, if and wheneverit's necessary (Mark 10:28-30).
Living Responsible Lives
The "last days" are supposed to be reminiscent of earliertimes, "as it was in the days of Noah," and "as it was in thedays of Lot." How was it in days of yore? Just like today.Apparently, ignoring the dire need to make drastic changes intheir lives, they conducted "business as usual" and fiddledabout or got carried away with less important things (Deut.32:47; Mark 4:19). It's recorded that they ate and drank, gotmarried, and went to work everyday - until they were consumed bytheir burning desires and swept away by their sins (Luke17:26-30).
What's wrong with eating and drinking or working? We might verywell wonder. Didn't God create us with an appetite and a thirst,as well as a need for physical exertion? Yes, but certaintastes, desires and relationships should be nipped in the bud;not allowed to grow or develop or take root (Jas. 1:14-15)! Manythings are good of and by themselves, and not wrong, but God'simposed conditions, restraints and guidelines for us to live by.
We're meant to enjoy those foods that God has blessed andoffered us (Lev. 20:25; 1 Tim. 4:5), and even have an occasionaldrink, if we want. The Bible condemns gluttony, not eating;drunkenness, not drinking; greed, not need. It's what we do withwhat we're given. And we are instructed to work and beproductive, but we're also commanded to remember the Sabbath(seventh day) to keep it holy. It's counterproductive to becometoo busy earning a living, that we neglect learning how to live(2 Pet. 3:18)!
Although we're at liberty to do almost anything, within reason(Gen. 2:16-17), we're to remember that we're held responsiblefor how we handle ourselves and manage our new-found freedoms(Ga. 5:13). We're not to abuse our privileges (1 Cor. 8:9), butbe careful not to get caught up in things that could too easilyget out of control (2 Pet. 2:20). A night of good, clean fun canquickly degenerate into an atmosphere of "just like the oldtimes." We're entitled to time-out with the boys (or girls),just don't let your diversion become an obsession (1 Cor. 6:12)- as my mother once warned me!
Keep Your Head Above Your Heart!
Is it - as some would charge - being cold and cruel, eveninhuman, to be in control of your mind and emotions? Isn't itrather mature to exercise proper self-control, sick and tired ofgiving in to compulsion? Isn't it judicious to carefullycross-examine every thought, thereby destroying the defense ofour death sentence, commuting it in Christ (2 Cor. 1:9; 10:4-5;1 Cor. 11:31)?
Doing what just comes natural or seems normal might exciteNietzsche; but it's not good enough for God. God wants us - meremortals made out of matter - to come to resemble, think and actlike Him. "Like Father, like Son." Why? Is God on some bigego-trip and wants a bunch of clones to come along for thejoy-ride? No, but because it's the only way that'll work. Heought to know the secret for living happily ever after.
Mankind, after all, was created in the image of the Godkind,and shares the awesome potential to become composed of God'sSpirit - after we've developed His characteristics (1 Cor.15:53). God's eager to award us all the Diploma of Divinityafter we've finished the course of conversion (2 Cor. 3:18).Therefore, instead of just doing what comes natural - we're todo the supernatural! We're to turn the other cheek instead ofbusting their jaw; forgive rather than fume; pray for ourenemies rather than swear revenge, giving peace a chance. We'recontinually called to be different - in contrast, notconformity, to this world (Rom. 8:29).
Tough-Love
There is a time and a place for "tough-love." We're not to showthe "mercy of fools" for welfare frauds or lazy bums (2 Thes.3:10), or have compassion on cold-blooded murderers or hardenedcriminals, despite their many appeals (1 Sam. 15:32-33; Rom.13:4).
We shouldn't refuse to use corporal punishment (Prov. 13:24).It might hurt for awhile, but hopefully the lesson (that actionshave consequences) will last a lifetime (Prov. 19:18; 23:13;29:15). It could keep them out of worse trouble later (Ecc.8:11).
We're also not to allow our emotions for loved ones to lead usto hell (Deut. 7:3-4; 13:6-9), or wrong relationships to get inour way. Despite the grief of saying goodbye, and the pain oftearful separation (2 Sam. 3:14-16; Ezra 10:3), you've got to dowhat you've got to do. Why make it any more difficult? Don'tprocrastinate and prolong your misery. Get it over with and geton with your life! We don't have time to waste in no-winsituations (Ephes. 5:16).
We shouldn't try and be more understanding and tolerant thanGod, but refuse to even associate with a Church member who'sliving in sin without any apology or shame (1 Cor. 5:1-2, 9-13).And we should NEVER entertain any notions about ordaining suchpeople!
Of course, we shouldn't cop a self-righteous attitude (Ga.6:1), but realize the prayerful purpose is to help restoreeveryone to their senses (knowing that ongoing sin results in aneternal separation). If and whenever such a person "comes to"(Luke 15:17, 20), he's to be welcomed back with wide-open arms(2 Cor. 2:6-8). A little love can go a long way, and encourageus to do even better - rather than give up. But sometimes thesituation calls for "shock-treatment" (tough-love), as well asprivate counseling. "Different strokes for different folks," soto speak (Lk. 12:47-48).
The moral of this story? Don't get blinded by the light: theglitter of "love," the hot-flash of emotion, and the gleam ofrelationships (2 Cor. 11:14). The going price for fool's gold istoo high to pay. Walk away. It's not worth it
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