While scanning the news this morning, a few headlines caught my attention:
1. Woman Calmly Reassures TV Reporter Amidst Gunfire
2. Doctor in Indiana Disciplined for Performing Abortion on 10-Year-Old
3. Brian Laundrie's Mother Promised Him Shovel and Garbage Bag
4. Body-Cam Footage Shows Ex-Police Officers Laughing at Man's Custody Death
These headlines made me reflect on the diminishing value we seem to place on human life. It appears that we have forgotten the preciousness and sacredness of every life, regardless of race or any other factor.
In today's America, it often feels like we expect crime and violence to be a part of our lives. Some places that were once peaceful and safe are now plagued by crime. I remember growing up in a tranquil Anchorage, Alaska, but when I left eight years ago, fear of crime played a role in my decision. Crime seemed to have spread throughout the city, erasing any sense of safety. This situation is not unique to Anchorage; it's a problem in many parts of the United States.
When we consider the teachings of love and reverence in the Bible, it becomes clear that disregarding them has caused our hearts to grow cold and hardened. We have become prideful and adopted an attitude of self-importance.
Recently, during a Bible study, I came across Proverbs 6:16-19, which highlights seven things the Lord hates. Let's reflect on these in light of our current social issues:
1. Haughty eyes
2. A lying tongue
3. Hands that shed innocent blood
4. A heart that devises wicked plans
5. Feet that run rapidly to evil
6. A false witness who utters lies
7. One who spreads strife among brothers
Now, read the news and see if we are not in a state of rebellion. I remember a time when most people would be ashamed to engage in any of these seven detestable acts.
In the realm of politics, we have witnessed a decline in honor and integrity. Politicians can now openly support the killing of unborn children and endorse sinful lifestyles without significant consequences. It is disheartening to see individuals in public positions with such viewpoints.
Shame and sin exist in every political party. Former and current presidents have applauded individuals living openly sinful lives, praising their "courage." One former president even boasted that he could commit murder on a busy street without losing voters. And sadly, he was proven right. This same individual once mocked a disabled reporter before his supporters.
Our current president has appointed transgender individuals to positions in the White House, and it has become the norm for openly gay and lesbian citizens to run for political office.
What is happening to our society? Should we be surprised? Not if we believe the Bible. Reflecting on the list from Proverbs, I fear we are headed down a troubling path:
"Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.For this reason, God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, and in the same way also the men abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their desire toward one another, men with men committing indecent acts and receiving in their own persons the due penalty of their error.And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper." (Romans 1:24-28, NASB) [my bold italics]
While I'm not focusing on any specific sin in this post, as we are all sinners, I would like to ask any proud member of the LGBTQ community who claims salvation to consider the bolded and italicized portion of the Bible passage.
For the rest of us sinners, how will we face God when the time comes? Will we humbly stand before Him clothed in the blood of Jesus, or will we approach Him with unchecked pride and sin?
Peace
--Free
