So...porn wants a bailout. No kidding! The news media is reporting the following: "An article in next month's Atlantic asks, "Is porn recession proof?" According to porn magnate Larry Flynt and 'Girls Gone Wild' king Joe Francis, the answer is no. TMZ reports that the pornographer pair is heading to Washington to ask for a $5 billion porn bailout: 'With all this economic misery and people losing all that money, sex is the farthest thing from their mind,' Flynt says. 'It's time for Congress to rejuvenate the sexual appetite of America.' Francis sees his industry like the big three automakers, only BIGGER: 'Congress seems willing to help shore up our nation's most important businesses; we feel we deserve the same consideration.'"
Oh, for Pete's sake! Where do I begin?!
First of all...I'm struck with the audacity of the request. An industry that was once under the table and behind closed doors is now brazen enough to ask the government for help to sustain itself. And...perhaps even more disconcerting is that there are those who will actually believe this industry should be given an ear. No matter that they profane the sacred, objectify men and women, destroy marriages and homes, molest children and cripple a healthy understanding of sex. Regardless, some will think this form of human degradation should be given government support.
Secondly...contrary to Flynt's cavalier thoughts about sexuality, sex has not fallen off people's radar screens. It's still very much on people's minds. It's a key dynamic in who we are and how we express our love in the context of marriage. Our moral fiber has changed a great deal over the years and, unfortunately, we engage in sexual practices that do not honor God. Many, if not most, of you reading this have at some point in your lives engaged in sexual activity outside of marriage. However..because we have sinned doesn't mean we should now promote that behavior or decide that since we've fallen at some point we should no longer guard the sanctity of sex. Past behavior is not a free pass for future sin. We know what it's like to stumble...do we know what it's like to rise above it and find victory in Christ?
It goes without saying that porn does not need bailing out...it needs plowed under. This despicable and destructive industry needs to be eliminated. Realistically...that isn't going to happen. It is fed by people's greed for money and appetite for sex. So, because sex brings pleasure and the porn industry makes money...it continues to exist.
At a higher level, and even more importantly, we should pause to examine ourselves and seek to live lives that are pure and Christ-honoring. If you're living together and engaging in sex outside of marriage...that is biblical sin and does not honor Christ. If you are engaging in sex in any way outside of marriage...you are dishonoring God. The good news is this...the Lord is willing and eager to "bail us out" of our sin. He is willing to forgive us and enable us to get our feet on solid ground. Remember what the scripture says: "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." John 3:17-21
Oh...I know. Some of you are thinking, "Good grief, Tom. You are so archaic." Yeah...I know. Listen...I'm as human and vulnerable as any reading this...and I know that if we don't lean on the Lord and seek to honor Him...we can easily fall into practices that distance us from the Lord. This is not old-school or conservative, or legalistic or Victorian or prudish...it's actually biblical and holy. That's where we need to live.
In a society where some believe that pornography is legitimate and condones almost any kind of sexual behavior we can imagine...we need all the help we can muster to live a godly life. Christ offers that help and that hope. Will we be obedient? My prayer and hope is that indeed...to the glory of God...we will.
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." Philippians 4:8
This week, amidst a panoramic spread of balls, parties, media events and hype, we inaugurated the 44th president of the United States. Inaugurations are always historic events and never fail to stir the emotions and imaginations of a watching public. This event was even more memorable as we swore into office the first black president in our nation's history. If you watched the event, you know it was electric and filled with excitement. Regardless of your political preferences, inaugurations are always meaningful as they put the spotlight on one of the unique and profound characteristics of our democracy...a peaceful transfer of power from one administration to another. No bloody coup...no hostile takeover (in spite of acrimonious political rhetoric); only a dignified ceremony where one president steps aside and joins the rest of the nation in welcoming a new commander-in-chief.
Now...we're past the festivities and back into the trenches. The political battles will heat up again, sparks will fly and amazingly...our country will go on.
One of the dynamics I've noted in this election...and in other elections...is the tendency on the part of some to ascribe differences of political opinion as "evil." For example, I received an e-mail last week equating President Obama's bent toward big government as an example of a biblical evil. Listen...I am firmly against big government and socialism...but neither are evil or anti-scripture. They are simply philosphical differences.
Why is it important to remember this? If we ascribe the label of "evil" to that which is simply a difference of opinion, we risk losing our voice when it comes to addressing what is really evil. All too often, unnecessary issues are created out of differing opinions. This is so true in the political realm. I admire people who stay in the hunt to seek to bring their ideas to the floor. There is a lot to be said for tenacity and conviction. But again...let's not confuse personal conviction with ultimate truth. Let's not make differing opinions of others synonomous with evil.
I remind all of us, Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians or whatever our alliance may be, what Ephesians 6:12,13 says: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
There is such a thing as evil...the Bible is clear on it. But people aren't our ultimate enemy and they aren't the source of evil. Certainly people are sinners, misguided and do engage in evil behavior. That's what happens when we purposely or foolishly become pawns of Satan. But let's also remember that these same people are the objects of God's love. Christ died for each and every one of us. That merits attention...and that means people have hope.
Evil is emobdied in Satan...and he is hopeless. Holiness is emobodied in Christ and He is our hope. As the political wars heat up...let's be sure to extend hope and not hate. Let's distinguish between truth and opinion. Let's not hold fellow believers at bay over their politics, let's seek to lock arms with them in taking the gospel out to the world. There is something that really matters and possesses eternal consequences. That's what we need to defend. How's your supply of grace? If it's low...maybe you've disconnected yourself from the supplier of everlasting grace...Jesus Christ. It's time to reconnect.
The birth of octuplets has been running front and center in news broadcasts for the past 10 days. The woman who gave birth January 26 to these little ones, Nadya Suleman, has been the target of a great deal of criticism since these babies made their way into the world outside their mother's womb. Suleman already has six other children. According to an exclusive story from usmagazine.com, Suleman's mother said Suleman was an only child who yearned for siblings when she was younger. Perhaps she may be trying to make up for a lack of brothers and sisters by making sure that her children have plenty of siblings to go around.
I have listened with interest to those who have railed against this woman for giving birth to octuplets. She is a single mother who had six embryos implanted (two of which transitioned into twins), leading to the multiple births. Reports that the babies were conceived through in vitro fertilization has sparked a debate over the ethics of such treatments and the ethics of having that number of children through that process. Doctors usually use from two to four embryos in fertility treatments (as not all eggs will survive, typically), not as many as six. Doctors at Kaiser say Suleman's eight babies so far are making good progress.
I have noted that liberals and conservatives alike have united on this issue and have made critical judgements on this single mom. Now...this column certainly won't address all the issues with this, but let me pose some questions.
1. For those who are "pro-choice" - Why is it ok for a mother to choose to kill her baby in the womb, but not ok for a mother to choose to have multiple children? What does a mother really have the "choice" to do? Are they really not "pro-choice?" Would it be more accurate to say they are simply in favor of the right to kill unborn children?
2. For those who are "Pro-life" - Why is it ok to choose life for a baby...as long as it meets what you believe to be a responsible number of lives? Should we become like China and begin to regulate the number of births we allow in each family?
3. For all - Who or what determines a responsible number of children? For some, one may be too many...for another, fourteen may not be enough.
What does encourages me about the focal point of the news coverage on this matter is this...apparently life does matter. Receiving love does matter. Being responsible does matter. Looking down the road and examining our future does matter.
How responsible are we being with the lives that God has given us...our own lives...our children's...our spouse's...our friendships...our influence? God has gifted us with life and we have a responsibility to nurture, develop, exercise and give of our lives to the glory of God. We are not to live for self, but rather for Christ. To squander our lives is to squander what God has designed to be a holy image of Himself.
Again...I ask...what are you doing with life?
"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light." Colossians 1:9-12
This coming weekend, we are focusing on some social injustice issues...specifically, human trafficking and fair trade. Tragically, human trafficking has reached horrific levels. It is said that more people will be "trafficked" in 2009 than in all the 1800s when slave trade was at its peak.
Human trafficking is to be deceived or taken against your will, bought, sold and transported into slavery for sexual exploitation, sweat shops, child brides, circuses, sacrificial worship, forced begging, sale of human organs, farm labor, or domestic servitude. Family members and "friends" deceive parents into releasing their children or selling them for as little as $20 each. Children then may be sold to local gang masters or serious organized international trafficking rings. Victims usually suffer repeated physical abuse, fear, torture and threats to their families to break their spirits and turn them into saleable commodities. It is possible that a person could be sold and trafficked many times.
Human trafficking continues to grow. Between 2 million and 4 million men, women and children are trafficked across borders and within their own countries every year. More than one person is trafficked across borders EVERY MINUTE, the equivalent of five jumbo jets every day, in a trade that earns twice as much worldwide revenue as Coca-Cola.
Consider the following story. In September 2006, Carol, a Zimbabwean girl aged 18, escaped from captivity of traffickers while in Tanzania. Carol was trafficked from Zimbabwe two years earlier when she was 16. She was orphaned and staying with her grandparents when this happened. One day on her way to school she was approached by two men who offered her a job. Carol was enticed by the job prospect as this would give her the opportunity to help out her grandparents, support her siblings and other relatives. Carol left with the men, who took her to a place where they raped her and then transported her out of Zimbabwe to South Africa. She was drugged, placed in a coffin and taken across the Zimbabwean border. In South Africa, she was forced into prostitution. She was not allowed to go anywhere and was under lock and key.
Carol stayed in South Africa for several months before being taken to Mozambique, where the abuse continued. She then was trafficked through Zambia to Tanzania where she managed to escape. At an open market, her captor left her for a few minutes to order food. Carol took the opportunity and ran off. She asked for help from a woman who took her to the Zimbabwean Embassy in Tanzania. The Embassy transported her back home and she was handed over to the police under the care of the International Organization for Migration, which offered her care under their victim support program. Medical tests showed that Carol had contracted HIV. Her family has failed to accept her because they believe she will have a bad influence over the other children. Carol is staying at a center and is receiving care. (Source: www.stopthetraffik.org)
What is taking place not only around the world...but right here in our own city...is abhorrent. A year and a half ago, a local business was busted by the police department for its involvement in human trafficking. That business was within eyesight of BreakPointe. We need to be informed of what is going on and how we can make a positive difference. This coming weekend at BreakPointe, will give you an opportunity to become better informed.
Does this kind of injustice really matter to us? YES! Listen to the words of God found in Hebrews 13: 3: “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Also read Psalm 10.
Please...don't miss this coming Sunday. It will give you a much deeper understanding of what is going on around the world...and possibly around your neighborhood. We have special guest speakers who are well informed on the matter of human trafficking.
Dr. Jo Anne Lyon - General Superintendent of the Wesleyan Church, Founder and former director of World Hope Internaltional. In one arm of the work of World Hope, they work in rescuing and caring for those who have been victims of human trafficking.
Dr. Jeff Brodsky - Established The Safe Harbour Project. Their main objective is for the rescue and rehabilitation of the youngest children they can locate who have been either sold or kidnapped and forced into the child sex trade industry throughout the world. Their rescue operations would (in most cases) be underground and covert.
From AOL news we read: "John Kevin Hines had been pacing on the Golden Gate Bridge for 40 minutes in anguish, crying. 'If one person asks me what's wrong, I won't go through with this,' he thought, over and over. Eventually, a woman wearing giant sunglasses approached him. "Would you take my picture?" she asked. The 19-year-old accepted the camera from her and clicked it five times. Then he snapped. The moment Hines released his hold on the 4-foot-high railing, he regained his grip on reality. During the 4 seconds between jump and splashdown, he could think clearly. All the problems that had made him want to die moments earlier? Those seemed less overwhelming than a 220-foot plunge into San Francisco Bay. 'Oh, my God, I don't want to die,' he thought. 'What have I done? God, please, save me.' It's a prayer seldom answered. Since the bridge opened in 1937, someone has jumped from it every 2 weeks on average. Out of roughly 2,000 attempts, only 28 "failed." For a man who tried to kill himself, John Kevin Hines is pretty lucky. On his descent from the Golden Gate Bridge, he threw his head back during free fall, which allowed him to hit the water in a seated position — albeit at 75 mph. He opened his eyes as he plunged 50 feet, and as it became darker, he thought, 'I didn't die. What am I going to do now?' A man who moments ago tried to kill himself was desperately fighting for his life now. He broke through the surface just before passing out. At the moment he jumped, a woman who had a Coast Guard friend on speed dial just happened to be driving over the bridge — which is the only reason two Coast Guard members fished Hines out of the water.
"Do you know what you just did?" one of them asked.
"Yeah, I just jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge."
"Why?"
"I don't know," said Hines. "I guess I wanted to die."
"Do you know how many people we pull out of this water who are dead already?"
We read here about a man who reached the end of his rope and threw himself overboard. And...we read about a man who was literally pulled out of the deep...a Jonah who was given a second chance in life. What initially grabs my attention in this story is the fact that, although this man was preparing to die, all he needed to keep him from jumping was an encouraging word...someone who would express some interest and concern about him.
I can't help but wonder...who have I passed today that was desperate and needed some positive attention? Did I miss an opportunity to literally "speak life" to someone? Was I so focused on myself that I asked them to put the spotlight on me instead of throwing a life-preserver to them?
Would you like to give a Christmas gift to everyone you see? Give them a word of encouragement. Tell them they matter. Look for specific ways to compliment those around you. Greet the people you pass in the store. Talk to strangers...and if you can see that they are hurting...let them know you care. You may save a life with a few loving words from your heart.
"See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness." Hebrews 3:12, 13
"For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory." I Thessalonians 2:11, 12
Well...I've heard of meter maids...how about meter fairies? Really. Read this news clip.
"Business owners in Miami's trendy Coconut Grove neighborhood needed a superhero to come rescue them from a deluge of parking tickets, and a superhero is precisely what they got. Meet Xavier Cortes, Miami's first "parking meter fairy." Donning a pink wig, mask, tutu, wings and skates, Cortes travels up and down the block feeding quarters into parking meters that are about to expire. Cortes is employed by Coconut Grove's local retailers, who claim they were losing business because customers were getting too many parking fines. The Venezuelan got the job by responding to an ad in the local newspaper. Cortes is also an artist with a theater background, and he doesn't seem to mind his unique costume. The idea has been a big hit with the area's visitors and law enforcement alike. "No problem exists between the Miami Parking Authority and the Meter Fairy," said the Parking Authority's Art Noriega. "It's a peaceful coexistence."
Wow...every shopper's dream who has ever had to feed the meter. I've been the recipient of more than one "citation" for having my car occupy a space longer than the alloted time for which I had paid. To think that someone would have a job walking the streets and pop quarters into the machine so that shoppers could avoid parking tickets? Wow indeed! Why would someone do that? We all wonder what the catch to such nice behavior would be. Right? Oh...well obviously...it's the merchants who provide such kindness... and why? They prefer that our money be spent in their stores rather than city hall.
I wonder how often people do nice things...just because. How about you? When was the last time you sweetened someone's life for no reason...just because. Maybe you fixed breakfast for your spouse or family...or gave a nice card...or sent flowers to someone special...or called someone just to tell them you appreciate them. If you haven't...do it. Maybe even drop a quarter in a strangers meter. :-) Now...that would be a mind blower wouldn't it?
"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:10
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