Many people claim to be followers of Christ, it is a normal statement or affirmation that you may hear from people who profess a love for Jesus. This love for Christ is demonstrated in the life we live, which should mirror the life of the greatest example to ever walk this earth. While we are not to judge one another “judge not, for ye shall be judges” (Matthew 7:1-3), there are some guidelines that would keep us on a certain path. Jesus was a humble individual and during his earthly mission he focused on helping others, meeting the needs of others, and pointing them to truth and righteousness. His ministry was not about position, power, money, or fame, all of which he avoided. As followers of Jesus we must bear certain fruits, which would be a good indication that we reflect the master Christ himself. Paul says in the book of Galatians that we must be guided by the Spirit and not by the flesh. “For the flesh desires that which is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit that which is contrary to the flesh. The acts of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I have before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Gal 5, 13-17). There is definitely a conflict in both lifestyles, there is no similarity or common ground to be found they are two completely different lifestyles, one leading to a path of destruction and the other to a path of eternal life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay However, in today's society, what was unacceptable years ago has become normal, most people are not offended or disappointed by these evil behaviors. Our tolerance for sin has become so high that we can no longer separate right from wrong. What is wrong in our world takes precedence over doing what is right. Some of these common practices are same-sex marriage, abortion, adultery, fornication, drugs, drunkenness, violence, these sound familiar to what Paul was talking about in the book of Galatians. But before the time of Paul, long ago in the Old Testament, the earth was evil and evil, I'm talking about the time of Noah, God wanted to destroy them for the evil that they were doing, another city with destruction because of the evil that prevailed throughout the land was Sodom and Gomora, the same practices that occurred then are the same practices that are mirrored today. Our society has become so concerned with offending others and trampling on their rights, rather than worrying about trampling on God's law. Much emphasis is placed on the rights of others, even the moral values that were once considered a standard to be upheld they passed through the window. Human rights are essential rights for all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion or any other status. Human rights include the right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, right to work and education, and many more. Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination. While this provides a great platform to protect the most vulnerable among us, others cry out that they are being discriminated against because of their sexual preferences and want justice and freedomof the right to practice what they feel and believe they have the right to do so openly and publicly without any form of discrimination. People of the same sex and gender identity experience violence, abuse, arrest and inequality. They are persecuted, abused and even killed for coming out publicly. As Christians we cannot condone any form of violence or mistreatment against another human being. However, viewing the Bible as the primary guide for how we should live is equally important. Sin has distorted this world, true happiness, the father of lies, Lucifer has made everything God created appear inadequate and produce a substitute that appears more attractive. The laws of man cannot replace the laws of God, God created man in his image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them. We were created in the image of God by reflecting Him as the creator, God has known us since the foundation of this world. As the creator designed us for a specific intention, homosexuality and same sex do not reflect the image of God. If the Bible is your standard of morality, it is almost impossible to believe that God considers this lifestyle choice to be good. Homosexuality/lesbianism/bisexuality/transgender/homosexual marriage are all the result of sin, just like any other sin committed by man. The homosexual whose sexual taste has been reversed by preferring people of the same sex does not follow the natural order of creation. The question has been asked as to how someone becomes homosexual, there is no specific cause that can be identified for this alternative lifestyle. But there are some factors that contributed to an individual preference. What is common among most male homosexuals is that behavior can be learned rather than chosen. The absence of a father figure, with whom sex was introduced, he found pleasant. There is no clear pattern to its development but there are some common elements that help identify its development. Today our society is forced or pressured to accept this alternative lifestyle and same-sex marriage as a natural way of life. Satan's goal is simply to seek to kill and destroy, he wants to ensure that man does not have the opportunity to recognize or worship Christ as the supreme creator of this universe. He will do everything in his power to turn men away from God by making him seem like an unjust, indifferent, and merciless God who breathes damnation on anyone who disobeys his commands. This alternative lifestyle did not originate with the creator of heaven and earth. God granted a wonderful life for His precious creation, which was created in His image and likeness. God designed man and woman to be different and yet they were created to complement each other. Their bodies are obviously different, their physiological, emotional and reproductive systems are opposite and yet they are made for each other. A man and a woman coming together in marriage reflect the image of God, committing and caring for each other. This union was divinely instituted in the Garden of Eden, the marriage was designed to be permanent, where both parties would unite as one is a divine creation and a divine intention where God blessed them and said "be fruitful and multiply" (Genesis 1:28). The homosexual lifestyle undermines the family model that God intended for this entire world. Today many churches try to demonstrate that a homosexual relationship and same-sex marriages are in harmony with the word of God. They defend these choices, arguing in fact that there is nothing inconsistent.
tags