Quote from Forum Archives on October 17, 2003, 6:05 am

Posted by: wrather <wrather@...>

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The Burning Bush Devotional

(Over 9,000 subscribers in 75 countries)

10.17.03

Out Of Control

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies,
outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders,
drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just
as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will
not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy,
peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,
self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ's have
crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit,
let us also walk in the Spirit. - Galatians 5:19-15.

Students in France are upset. They are upset that smoking has now become a
target of the government. The law does allow for smoking in schools in
designated areas, however, the government is now encouraging schools to be
smoke-free zones. Students are upset and some have gone on strike.
17-year-old Melodie Gambero says, "We're not allowed to smoke anywhere on
the school grounds any more. They treat us like babies." According to one
student, about half of his fellow students are smokers. But the crack down
by the government and schools does not end with smoking. Schools are also
attempting to put an end to girls showing off thongs and stomachs above
their low-cut pants/trousers. The fashion trend along with the smoking does
not just affect young people in France but it is very prevalent in the USA
as well.

Why would the governments of France, the USA, and others be concerned about
students smoking? Because habits begun at a young age tend to become life
long habits and smoking is a particularly unhealthy habit. Smoking is high
on the list of unhealthy habits contributing to much greater health care
costs.

Why would teachers be concerned about the overexposure of their student's
bodies? Perhaps they have seen too many become pregnant out of wedlock and
too many contract sexually transmitted diseases. Of course, just because
someone dresses in a certain way does not necessarily mean that the improper
behavior will follow. However, many with years of experience with young
people know that the tendency is for the behavior to follow the way they
dress.

The Biblical view of smoking is that it harms the body, which is the temple
of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 3:16 we are told, "Do you not know that
you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If
anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of
God is holy, which temple you are." It could also be argued that smoking
because of the unhealthy aspect is "uncleanness" which is a work of the
flesh.

Sexually provocative dress is obviously "lewdness." The dictionary defines
"lewdness" as, "Preoccupied with sex and sexual desire; lustful. Obscene;
indecent." "Lewdness" is a work of the flesh.

The apostle Paul makes it clear that what we should have instead of the
works of flesh in our lives is the "fruit of the Spirit." The "fruit of the
Spirit" that seems to be most missing in the lives of many is that of
"self-control." We see that there is a choice that must be made. We can
choose to participate in the works of the flesh or we can "walk in the
Spirit." Crucify the flesh with Christ and rise up each day to live for Him.

Copyright © 2003. Ed Wrather. Permission is given for use of the devotionals
on a non-profit basis with source credited.

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