Focus

KThis morning I read Romans chapter 1. Let me post part of it here: 

"18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,[g] in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them."

This part talks about God's anger towards unrighteousness. It talks about when the people refused to believe in God so He gave them over to their debased (defined as "reduced in quality or value") minds and their dishonorable passions along with a host of other issues, aka. sin, that include seemingly small things like gossip, slander, selfishness, and disobedience. 

This seems so applicable to today's culture when the focus in the news is on a former Olympian who is "transgendered" and recently had a sex change to become a woman. This world is thinking this is so great, speaking out for others with the same feelings/experiences. They say it does so much for learning to accept others and for this behavior becoming normalized in our culture and our minds. 

Truth is: we probably shouldn't be talking about it. Focusing on it familiarizes us with it and eventually it doesn't seem like "that big of a deal." Focusing on it opens our minds to it becoming okay. Read the following passage in Ephesians 5.

"5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord.11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,

“Awake, O sleeper,
    and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ." 

Verses 11-12 say "Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness...for it is shameful even to speak of the things they do in secret."

So, maybe we should consider we what are speaking about and what we are thinking and reading about. 

Lord, have mercy on our nation and world that is turning away from You. Across the world, Christians are being persecuted and martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, one of the top U.S. headlines is praising this person who is obviously confused, at least, and who desperately needs the Lord to redeem them from their sins. 

God, help us, help ME, to know Your heart; to know the things You want us to focus on.

 I know God loves this person and wants to see them come into a real relationship with Him. But I also know our time, MY time, may be better spent praying for our brothers and sister who are sacrificing even their very lives for You. 

If you want more info on what's happening across the world, watch this lengthy but worthwhile video: 

http://youtu.be/H2Hf1h3ay3U

To help financially you can give here: https://preemptivelove.nationbuilder.com/if