An editor asked to reprint one of my blogs in a national publication. The article, “Child Abuse” (7-29-11), suggested that we ought to examine the source of sex education. It prompted notes of appreciation… but also a call of anger to the publisher from a person of authority in the church. He felt as if he’d been “attacked.” “Labeled.” Why?
Some think the Old Testament is, well, “old.” But, I’ll tell you what. At times like this, I find lessons taught by historic events refreshingly helpful and hopeful. At this moment, with division caused among God’s people over sex education versus instruction in purity, I turn to Ezra 4:1-6.
The people of Israel had just been set free from captivity in Persia (formerly Babylon) so that they might return to Jerusalem. Few Israelites, however, wanted to return to their homeland. A great many had adapted to their new surroundings. They had property and liked their new lifestyle. Going back (as in “backward”?) was not appealing. Very few packed their bags and returned to rebuild a crumbled and decaying Jerusalem. Reality hit hard. The job of rebuilding the temple to the Lord was going to be difficult. How tempting it probably was to accept the help offered by unbelieving neighbors in the land. Were the neighbors being kind, or did they have an agenda of their own? Whatever the case, fathers of the Israelite houses said, “No.” To maintain pure worship, the Israelites rejected the offer of help from the people of the land who lived a life of blended and false religious beliefs. To accept would have placed households at risk of being deceived away from Jehovah God. To accept help from nonbelievers — to use their tools or building materials — could not be tolerated. The task before the few and faithful Israelites was daunting, in fact, reminiscent of Noah building the Lord’s ark in the midst of his more “progressive” neighbors. But, then — as today — clear boundaries in doctrine and practice are necessary because a corrupt gospel is no Gospel at all (Galatians 1:8).
The Christian finds him or herself facing a similar challenge today. God’s Word tells His people to instruct sons and daughters in purity. But, the people in the land where we Christians live practice the impurity of blended religions. These neighbors offer their assistance — tools and building materials (with an agenda of their own?) — to us . But, what will happen if we Christians accept that offer of help? Will there be compromise? Clear boundaries in doctrine and practice are necessary because a corrupt teaching of purity is no teaching of purity at all.
Here is my prayer. May the eyes of Christian parents, pastors, teachers or students be open to the deception of blended religious beliefs. May we refuse the assistance of people in the land who have turned from the Creator of life, marriage and family to follow false gods. May we, with humility, examine our building materials and if found impure, disgard them as trash. If we have been influenced by the “father of modern sex education,” Alfred Kinsey, may we turn from the lie. Yes, Kinsey attended a church. But, he practiced the religion of Darwin. He built on his own theory that “children are sexual from birth.” He coined the term “sexuality” and worshiped in its temple. False gods always demand sacrifice. Today, Planned Parenthood, SIECUS, and GLSEN build on the religion of my personal “sexuality.” The sacrifice is the innocence of children; the very lives of children through abortion.
If we have put our trust in ways of the world rather than in the purity of God’s Word, may we let go of pride and hurry to the Cross. If we have innocently accepted help from unbelieving people of the land, may we repent and be drenched in Christ’s mercy. The pure Gospel is this: Jesus is our Robe of Righteousness. Even if we have been deceived and unintentionally brought harm to others, we have hope. In our Savior Jesus Christ, there is always hope.
Only one voice hisses: There is no hope. But, that lie of Satan has no authority over us. Because of what Jesus has done for us — in spite of us, we have dominion over the father of lies. Of false religions. Of hopelessness.
Dear Lord,
You are the Builder of all that is good, right and true. Give us courage to examine the source of our tools and, when we’ve trusted our judgment rather than Yours, accept our humble confession. Forgive us. Lead us away from the temptation to wrap Jesus around false teaching… false hope. Equip us to set the gate of innocence back in place and guard the household of faith. AMEN.
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