A recent judgement by an Indian court generated unprecedented public response. Homosexuals and lesbians are celebrating, media worked overtime to support them. Religious leaders and the conservative also raised their concern. After 150 years, Delhi High court decriminalized same sex relationship. English media dwelt on this topic for more than a week. Many eminent writers wrote in support of it and condemned those who oppose it.
Their conclusion is this: This judgment is a sign that India is progressing. They refer to the other 125 countries that have already legalized homosexuality and argue that such a law is not suitable for a free, democratic country. Every one has freedom to choose his life style as he / she wants!
We will consider the human rights and freedom aspect in our next issue, if God willing.
Let us consider the progressive out look of the modern man and his response to the traditional values. No doubt, the present generation is more educated, intelligent and progressive in every facet. They consider being modern and sophisticated means, to be tolerant, broad-minded and free. They dont like restrictions or any kind of barriers.
What is the out come? Present generation hates the values and principles of the past generation. Modern man finds everything as good, nothing evil or sinful. According to him, it is in the individuals out look. If one is evil he finds everything immoral. So they consider evil lies in labelling something as sin or unacceptable!
Certainly we must be progressive and broad-minded. We should be willing to accept even those who disagree with us. However, that doesnt mean we should throw away the divine principles and statutes that must govern our life. Change according to the times is surely good, but just considering the standards and ideology set by the forefathers as foolishness is detrimental for future generation.
Above all neglecting the moral, spiritual aspects of lifes various issues is disastrous for an individual as well as society. Already the so-called developed free nations who have deliberately forsaken the divine decrees are reaping the consequences.
What should be a Christians response to such a scenario? Apostle Paul wrote about a generation crooked and perverse- whose god is their belly and whose glory is in their shamewho set their mind on earthly things. Philippians 2:15; 4:19. He doesnt hide the reality that their end is destruction.
Dont we see such a generation today? If writer could notice such perverse, gluttonous, shameless, materialistic people two thousand years ago, how much more grim the state today!
In such a situation there is every possibility for a Christian to be influenced by their ideology. Unfortunately we see there are few among the evangelical Christians who hold a liberal view and encourage the worldly trend among the believers. They hate the boundaries laid down by the godly forefathers. They consider the convictions of the past generations as futility, even if it has spiritual value. They emphasize love but neglect the truth.
What was Pauls reaction? He warns the believers against such a life style. Does it mean Paul had no concern for these perishing souls? Definitely, he did all what he could to win them, but as a caring shepherd it is his duty to warn the people of God. He exhorts them not to walk like them, but be blameless, harmless children of God shining as lights in the world. How is it possible? He adds: by holding fast the word of life. Philippians 2:15, 16; 4:17, 18.
As Christians, let us be cautious about the times. In the name of advancement and tolerance, while spiritual values are being thrown out; make sure that our children know the scriptural principles for every area of their life. Most of all let us pray much for the new generation and set a Biblical pattern before them. Philippians 4:17
Anecdote: -
Hugging Blanket
Many years ago, in India a river flooded, sweeping many villages into the sea. The villagers lost everything, as they kept most of their belongings wrapped up in a bundle of cloth.
As the flood was sweeping everything downstream, a number of men were taking advantage of the disaster. They were swimming into the flood to retrieve the black bundles that were floating on the water. When opened, they contained all kinds of money, jewels, and possessions.
One man saw what he thought was a very large black bundle, so he dived into the water and swam towards it. As he came near to it, he reached out and grabbed the bundle. To his horror, the black bundle grabbed him!
It was a black bear which had been washed down with the flood. The more this man struggled, the more tightly the bear hugged him. His friends could see him in trouble, so they cried out to him Let go of the blanket! The man replied, I have let go of the blanket, but the blanket has not let go of me!, as both he and the bear were swept down the flood.
"Grace & Peace" is an e-periodical for spiritual enlightenment,