Monday; October 8


               Over the last several decades Christian principles seem to have been dismissed as being irrelevant and that our advanced society should move on from this “archaic” way of thinking.  Yet, have you noticed the themes that have been getting a lot of attention lately:  respect for all people, the danger of youthful indiscretion, inappropriate sexual activity,  the problem of excessive alcohol use?  Some suggest that there is a new enlightenment calling attention to modern ills that are plaguing mankind, but, it seems that we have heard these problems discussed somewhere before:
Respect:  Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3-4)
Youthful Indiscretion:  Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. (I Timothy 4:12)
Immorality And Debauchery:  Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)
Excessive Alcohol Use:  Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaining?  Who has wounds without cause?  Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long over wine, those who go to taste mixed wine.  Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly; at the last it bites like a serpent and stings like a viper. (Proverbs 23:29-32)
          Christians mustn’t be smug in our beliefs, rather we should share the heartache felt by the rest of the world.  Who knows, maybe society’s struggles will help the world realize that the Bible is relevant to today and applicable in dealing with modern issues.
          Think About It!

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