August 4, 1992
Have we lost our ethical and moral minds? One would wonder after reading the summaries of two article placed beside each other in a magazine called Current Thoughts and Trends.
The first article is called FETAL TISSUE: THE NEW CANNIBALISM. It is about a bill under consideration by the American Senate that would force the national health institutes to finance fetal tissue transplants “harvested” from babies killed by induced abortions. The rationale behind such a move is that sufferers from diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s would be saved. The gruesome side of it is this tissue must be fresh — so the fetuses must be removed from the womb while alive, then killed for their valuable parts.
The other article is about a baby named Theresa who was born without a brain and had no hope of living. Her anguished parents decided to request she be declared legally dead so her vital organs could be donated to other babies needing transplants. Their request was declined — on the basis that “it would open the door to regarding the sick as just collections of spare parts.” When Theresa died only 18 days after being born, her organs had deteriorated to the point of being useless for transplants.
One does not have to be Christian or even a believer in God to wonder what is the criteria for establishing who is fair game and what are the rules donating spare parts. According to both these stories, the donor must be healthy not sick, yet must also be doomed to die anyway. This second criteria demands further inspection.
It is not uncommon for an adult to donate their organs for medical purposes when they realize they only have a few months to live. Of course such donors are allowed to die before their organs are removed, even if they are criminals who have received a death sentence for crimes committed.
Sometimes relatives or persons with compatible tissue-type donate kidneys to others whose corresponding organs have failed because their own survival does not depend on having two kidneys, but all other tissue donors are dead when the tissue is removed.
Yet this rule is abandoned for the so-called blob of tissue called a fetus even though this creature is obviously alive or its organs would have no value. Nor is the fetus usually sick. Malformed or otherwise imperfect fetuses are aborted but most abortions are not for that reason. Rather, someone has decided this living mass of tissue must die and there is no choice on the part of the donor. Furthermore, the fetus does not die before its brains and pancreas are removed (without anaesthesia) but after — because it has lost organs it cannot live without.
Contrast the situation of Baby Theresa. Even though she would soon die, her parents wanted to bring meaning to her short existence — life to others because she had lived. Instead “science” would not allow even that.
Something stinks. If unborn human tissue is simply a “blob” (never mind that it is alive and able to pass on life to others), science does not mind devaluing “it” by using the spare parts before killing it — but add two to five months and that same “blob” cannot donate any tissue. It must die along with anyone else it might save.
God gave life purpose: He told Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Yet the same God also gave death purpose: He sent His Son to die, a mission that the Son willingly accepted because through His death others would gain life.
In our God-playing it seems we have a few things backwards.
Showing posts with label purpose. Show all posts
Showing posts with label purpose. Show all posts
Monday, September 21, 2015
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
What about suicide? .............. Parables 291
October 29, 1991
Statistics say one third of 7th grade northern natives have thought of committing suicide. The national average is supposed to be 23%. My kids tell me “everyone” thinks about suicide.
One author says taking your own life is the ultimate “God-playing.” In other words, he thinks there is no greater way to usurp the authority of God over our lives than to determine the time and method of our death.
I can’t count the times I’ve struggled with thinking dying would be better than living. I’ve even thought of ways to accomplish it. Thank God, He supplied some thoughts that convinced me otherwise.
In those suicidal wars of the mind, God helped by reminding me of the source of those ideas, my spiritual enemy who, according to Jesus, “... is a murderer from the beginning... a thief who comes to steal, to kill, to destroy.” This enemy promotes suicide because it suits his purposes.
Another help was a fuller understanding of God’s purposes. Jesus says of Himself, “I have come that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly.” Clearly, the suggestion of suicide is against Christ’s purposes and is not part of God’s plan for me.
When I’ve thought about suicide, I was always when under great stress; my problems were overwhelming. God may promise to unravel the mess, but under severe burdens, suicide can seem easier. Thoughts like: “Following God’s way will only make me more miserable,” and “Death would be a release from the pain of trying to live an impossibly restricted life” are no encouragement.
Satan (remember, he seeks to deceive and destroy) told Adam’s wife Eve that God didn’t want the best for her and she believed that lie. Notice, it is the same one he uses on me and on you too. Without firmly knowing the richness of God’s love and forgiveness, this lie will draw us away from God and maybe even into committing suicide.
Suicide involves several lies. Satan wants us to think that death is just the end of life, a wonderful release from our trials, the end of our misery. He wants the truth about death hidden and mysterious so we can be duped into taking both it and life into our own hands. He knows if we understand death and eternity, we just might turn to God, something he does not want anyone to do.
God puts a window in that black and mysterious doorway called death. Through His window, we get glimpses of eternity, not much but enough to discover that death’s door is entered but once. Judgment is next. We also see that for some, eternity is more black and darker than death, a place of “weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth.” This side of eternity is Satan’s destination, prepared for him and his demons, out of the presence of God.
Through the window, we also see the other side of eternity, the side where the glory cannot begin to be described, where Jesus Christ shines so brightly the sun and moon are no longer necessary. He calls it heaven.
God’s window makes the issue of suicide plain too. We are never encouraged to take our own life but to put our life in His hands and allow the promise of eternal glory and the power of God’s Spirit to give us endurance for our temporary trials here. God’s rival, the liar and deceiver, knows what we could have if we trust God for living, and for dying, so he covers the window and substitutes his version of both.
Suicide is not an escape from life but robs people of the best that life can be. With God, no problem is unsolvable, no trial more than He can handle. But we have to trust Him and do it His way, not take matters into our own hands and discover we have handed ourselves over to the enemy.
Statistics say one third of 7th grade northern natives have thought of committing suicide. The national average is supposed to be 23%. My kids tell me “everyone” thinks about suicide.
One author says taking your own life is the ultimate “God-playing.” In other words, he thinks there is no greater way to usurp the authority of God over our lives than to determine the time and method of our death.
I can’t count the times I’ve struggled with thinking dying would be better than living. I’ve even thought of ways to accomplish it. Thank God, He supplied some thoughts that convinced me otherwise.
In those suicidal wars of the mind, God helped by reminding me of the source of those ideas, my spiritual enemy who, according to Jesus, “... is a murderer from the beginning... a thief who comes to steal, to kill, to destroy.” This enemy promotes suicide because it suits his purposes.
Another help was a fuller understanding of God’s purposes. Jesus says of Himself, “I have come that you may have life, and that you may have it more abundantly.” Clearly, the suggestion of suicide is against Christ’s purposes and is not part of God’s plan for me.
When I’ve thought about suicide, I was always when under great stress; my problems were overwhelming. God may promise to unravel the mess, but under severe burdens, suicide can seem easier. Thoughts like: “Following God’s way will only make me more miserable,” and “Death would be a release from the pain of trying to live an impossibly restricted life” are no encouragement.
Satan (remember, he seeks to deceive and destroy) told Adam’s wife Eve that God didn’t want the best for her and she believed that lie. Notice, it is the same one he uses on me and on you too. Without firmly knowing the richness of God’s love and forgiveness, this lie will draw us away from God and maybe even into committing suicide.
Suicide involves several lies. Satan wants us to think that death is just the end of life, a wonderful release from our trials, the end of our misery. He wants the truth about death hidden and mysterious so we can be duped into taking both it and life into our own hands. He knows if we understand death and eternity, we just might turn to God, something he does not want anyone to do.
God puts a window in that black and mysterious doorway called death. Through His window, we get glimpses of eternity, not much but enough to discover that death’s door is entered but once. Judgment is next. We also see that for some, eternity is more black and darker than death, a place of “weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth.” This side of eternity is Satan’s destination, prepared for him and his demons, out of the presence of God.
Through the window, we also see the other side of eternity, the side where the glory cannot begin to be described, where Jesus Christ shines so brightly the sun and moon are no longer necessary. He calls it heaven.
God’s window makes the issue of suicide plain too. We are never encouraged to take our own life but to put our life in His hands and allow the promise of eternal glory and the power of God’s Spirit to give us endurance for our temporary trials here. God’s rival, the liar and deceiver, knows what we could have if we trust God for living, and for dying, so he covers the window and substitutes his version of both.
Suicide is not an escape from life but robs people of the best that life can be. With God, no problem is unsolvable, no trial more than He can handle. But we have to trust Him and do it His way, not take matters into our own hands and discover we have handed ourselves over to the enemy.
Friday, December 20, 2013
Sunday drivers ............................. Parables 056
Springtime seems to bring out that phenomena known as “the Sunday Driver.” My father uses those words to describe drivers who do not appear to know where they are going, or why, or even how to get there. They look at all the roadside “sights” and seem to be oblivious to the rest of the traffic.
Actually, “Sunday drivers” seldom break any traffic laws. They get the most criticism for bringing out the worst in other drivers!
The highway of life has its “Sunday drivers” too. Many people live just like they drive their cars. For instance:
NO SET DESTINATION: Some people have no plans and goals for life, no firm convictions about where they are going or why they are even on the road. So they drift through this life, thinking that whatever sights they see along the route are the only purpose for taking the trip.
NO PLAN OF TRAVEL: With no destination in mind, the “Sunday drivers” cannot possibly plan a route. Instead, decisions are made according to things like the bumps in the road, whims or moods, the weather, or the scenery. With no goal, and no plan to reach that goal, choices are made by the “eenie-meany” method, or by whatever looks good at the time.
NO PLAN CONCERNING THE STOPS TO MAKE ALONG THE WAY: “Sunday drivers” often think that whatever comes along is all there is to see or be involved in. Their needs are met in a hit and miss fashion, according to what is the most convenient. They often miss life’s best, either because they do not know it is there, or they do not purposely determine to include it in their plans.
OBLIVIOUS TO OTHERS: “Sunday drivers” ignore fellow-travelers. They miss the help that the more experienced could give them and are oblivious to others who may need their help.
Is a Sunday Driving kind of life-style wrong? Some of us would do well to be more laid-back, but I think that this attitude is a serious spiritual condition. It describes a person that has no ideas about his own God-given purpose. There is no thought given to an eternal destination, nor how to get there. And since that has not been determined, it is impossible for eternity to have any effect on the way this life is lived.
Jesus said that there are the two possible destinations for us, with two possible roads. He said one is broad, and leads to destruction. The other is narrow, leading to eternal life... but there are few that find the narrow road. (Matt.7:13,14)
He also declared, “I am the way.... no man comes unto the Father but by me.” So, HE is that narrow road, the one that leads to eternal life.
Jesus also gave the guidelines for finding Him... we will find Him when we seek Him with our whole heart. Meandering aimlessly will not do it.
When we do find the road, then Christ urges us to “Love one another as I have loved you.” His love is sacrificial. It stops to help others find the way too. This love is also mutually shared with fellow-travelers as they encourage one another to stay headed in the right direction.
If “Sunday driving” has become a foundation for the rest of life, we can let the cross be the STOP sign. The One who died their changes the route, the destination, the travel plans, and the style of driving.
Actually, “Sunday drivers” seldom break any traffic laws. They get the most criticism for bringing out the worst in other drivers!
The highway of life has its “Sunday drivers” too. Many people live just like they drive their cars. For instance:
NO SET DESTINATION: Some people have no plans and goals for life, no firm convictions about where they are going or why they are even on the road. So they drift through this life, thinking that whatever sights they see along the route are the only purpose for taking the trip.
NO PLAN OF TRAVEL: With no destination in mind, the “Sunday drivers” cannot possibly plan a route. Instead, decisions are made according to things like the bumps in the road, whims or moods, the weather, or the scenery. With no goal, and no plan to reach that goal, choices are made by the “eenie-meany” method, or by whatever looks good at the time.
NO PLAN CONCERNING THE STOPS TO MAKE ALONG THE WAY: “Sunday drivers” often think that whatever comes along is all there is to see or be involved in. Their needs are met in a hit and miss fashion, according to what is the most convenient. They often miss life’s best, either because they do not know it is there, or they do not purposely determine to include it in their plans.
OBLIVIOUS TO OTHERS: “Sunday drivers” ignore fellow-travelers. They miss the help that the more experienced could give them and are oblivious to others who may need their help.
Is a Sunday Driving kind of life-style wrong? Some of us would do well to be more laid-back, but I think that this attitude is a serious spiritual condition. It describes a person that has no ideas about his own God-given purpose. There is no thought given to an eternal destination, nor how to get there. And since that has not been determined, it is impossible for eternity to have any effect on the way this life is lived.
Jesus said that there are the two possible destinations for us, with two possible roads. He said one is broad, and leads to destruction. The other is narrow, leading to eternal life... but there are few that find the narrow road. (Matt.7:13,14)
He also declared, “I am the way.... no man comes unto the Father but by me.” So, HE is that narrow road, the one that leads to eternal life.
Jesus also gave the guidelines for finding Him... we will find Him when we seek Him with our whole heart. Meandering aimlessly will not do it.
When we do find the road, then Christ urges us to “Love one another as I have loved you.” His love is sacrificial. It stops to help others find the way too. This love is also mutually shared with fellow-travelers as they encourage one another to stay headed in the right direction.
If “Sunday driving” has become a foundation for the rest of life, we can let the cross be the STOP sign. The One who died their changes the route, the destination, the travel plans, and the style of driving.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Wandering Stars...................................Parables 003
My husband received a birthday balloon last month. This is not an ordinary balloon. For one thing, it is metallic silver and shaped like a star. Another novelty is the helium inside that kept it up on the ceiling, at least for a while. But now this balloon is especially unusual because it has become a “wandering star.” Partly deflated, it moves with the air currents, gliding through the house, searching for a place to rest, but never seeming to find it. It is an eerie thing to watch this star floating aimlessly around the house, sometimes hiding behind doors or under the leaves of our giant silk palm plant. It looks lonely, giving the impression of unhappiness and discontent.
As we watch this balloon, I think of a Bible verse that uses the term “wandering stars.” It is near the end of the New Testament in the book of Jude. “Wandering stars is used to describe the people who understand the gospel, that “Jesus died for their sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures,” (2 Corinthians 15:3,4), but have said “no” to that message. They are described as “willful and presumptuous” with meaningless lives. They complain and speak evil against Christ. They are motivated by evil desires and have no spiritual goodness. Worst of all, these “wandering stars” have reserved for them the “blackness of darkness forever.” (Jude 13)
That balloon wandered around our house all last night. It came up the stairs from our son’s bedroom, and who knows where it went before getting hung up on a palm leaf in the living room. That gas-filled star is a vivid picture - not enough substance to keep it down-to-earth, not enough of the right stuff inside to rise to any heights. It just keeps moving, tossed about by outside pressures.
It may seem pointless to personify a balloon. However, Jude makes a real point concerning “wandering stars.” No one wants to have a life without purpose or direction. Jude reminds Christians to “keep ourselves in the love of God, and look for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Our purpose is to serve and glorify Him.
What a contrast to our nearly spent balloon.
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