Often when in public places, I look with awe at the number of people I don't know, don't know me, and are all different. I can only see what's on the outside- anything from hair color (which may or may not be natural) to height, skin color, or style of dress.
The outward appearance of our bodies is determined by DNA which is so very specific it can be used to identify individuals by a microscopic sample. We can alter our appearance in ways as simple as hair (cut, perm, dye) or body shape (exercise, diet, even gastric bypass to aid weight loss) to more elaborate like cosmetic surgery, colored contact lenses, or tattoos. But outward features are only what we look like as individuals, not an indication of who we are. They allow other people to identify us. If you have ever looked at a dead person, you realize there is something missing. The physical features are still there but the individual you might have known and could have a connection to is gone.
The mind, located in the physical brain, is the seat of emotions and thoughts that determine actions. DNA has some influence here as well in ways such as a pre-disposition to addiction, mental illness or handicap. More importantly, the mind is where we utilize the God-given agency to choose. It's who you are, not just what you look like. Drugs, recreational or prescription, can influence the electrical patterns and chemical movement to alter thoughts and emotions thereby even altering what is considered personality. However, that is still our choice, unless someone else forcibly injects a drug into our body. Since we are all as different on the inside as we are on the outside, we have differing aspects of our personalities and intellects. Some people are capable of great intellectual understanding but never pursue it. Some people may not have so much a natural ability to learn but decide to keep trying. What may be a weakness (like addition) for one may not even be an issue for another. I know and love some who have addictions or pre-dispositions to addictions. Some have chosen to fight addiction rather than give up their freedom to choose whether or not to partake thereby becoming slaves to a substance from alcohol or tobacco to caffeine or food. Addictions are formed when the choice is made to stimulate the limbic (reward) system in the brain because of a craving for an artificial thrill or calming. This can happen even from sexual stimulation which has always been a contentious issue for society. Since time began there have been questions about what is an appropriate way to engage in sexual relations. We seem to have at least a basic awareness of the sacredness or importance of sex organs because even in very primitive cultures, usually men and women cover their "private parts", if nothing else. From a non-moral standpoint, the stimulation of sex organs is a natural thing and as long as you can avoid feelings of guilt that may interfere or cause long-term issues, any stimulation is acceptable. It can include self-stimulation (masturbation), or stimulation with anyone else regardless of age, gender, or even species.
Most people have, somewhere deep inside, an aversion to to unlimited sexual stimulation. Some might say we are taught or nurtured in our standards as to who or when or under what circumstances to engage in sexual stimulation. Some even try the "as long as it's consenting adults" angle to determine what they feel comfortable with. For me, since I believe in God and recognize that He is wiser than any human being no matter how well educated, I look to Him for what might be the best way to set limits or standards on my behavior/choices.
I grew up in the 60's and tried to follow the "sex, love, dope" mantra of the upcoming society. I am a witness that it was a big mistake! Sex is NOT just a natural function of the body. It has emotional and mental ramifications which impact interpersonal relationships and self-esteem. Love is not appropriately exhibited through unlimited sex. Lust is NOT love. Dope may be temporarily fun but it's a bad idea. The recent changes in legality of marijuana will result in some unwanted consequences that will be seen not too far down the road. As for the constant efforts of people throughout the ages to remove limits from sexual activity, I have come to understand why the Lord has set the bounds He has set. Sex outside marriage causes unwanted pregnancy resulting in unwanted children or abortions which are simply the murder of yet-to-be born children. This amazing power to create life is essential to our survival and therefore destructive when used between those of the same gender, young children or with other species. Most groups of us have finally learned that sex between members of a family is disastrous. It is appropriate and even desirable to love all other people and God has commanded us to do so. It is a good thing to love animals. They are a part of the stewardship given to mankind since we are God's offspring and have been given the earth to take care of. I repeat, love is not lust. Loving someone else does not mean seeking sexual gratification with or from them. Whether or not a heterosexual relationship results in the bearing of children does not take away from its appropriateness. For the survival of the species of humans and for our eternal development, sexual relations are only appropriate between a man and a woman after they are married to each other. It's not that we will be "condemned to hell" or should wear a big scarlet "A" on our chest if we don't accept God's standard. God is a loving father whose greatest work and glory is to bring to pass the eternal life of His children. He wants us to avoid heartache and continue to grow and progress. Developing a marriage type of relationship with a person of the same gender will only cause heartache because it cannot go on forever. It is merely a temporary, temporal attraction. As such, it simply delays or interferes with our progression toward being as wise as our Father. What is referred to as the "natural man" and all associated impulses are the enemy of God and our progression to become like Him. That includes addictions, negative emotions (hatred, greed, envy, resentment, vengeance, lust, etc.), rebellion and pride, and sloth or unwillingness to act. But the choice is ours. God gave that to us. He's just waiting to see what we choose, Him or the natural man. I say, as Joshua did, "as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
No comments:
Post a Comment