Re: Boys you know
Submitted by John Guard on March 15 1999 at 09:41:01
In reply to Re: Boys you know Submitted by Andy on March 15 1999 at 01:13:15
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Thanks Andy... You are right, of course. Lustful thoughts are weeds. It is natural for any garden to have weeds in them, of course but it would be not-so-natural for the gardener to devote too much of his time developing and grooming the weeds (as opposed to the flowers/plants in the garden). Likewise, it is natural for people to experience feelings and desires...but to gratify them...and then to become too preoccupied in them would be impractical. Instead, we should fix our eyes/attention to the plants in the garden, in this case, doing whats right and devoting ourselves in doing the LORD's work in spreading HIS LOVE, rather than promoting our self-indulgent lusts. I apologize if I sound arrogant or heady. It is not my intention or desire to do so. I have to admit that I have a habit of being cynical and controlling but am praying and working with the LORD in dealing with that. One thing I have learned that is extremely helpful is that the LORD is not a killjoy. HE doesnt delight in giving us a hard time or setting outrageous standards. If we have kids who have problems, be it behavioral or otherwise..wouldn't we be patient, understanding, supportive and graceful towards them? What more GOD, whose LOVE for us far far far far exceeds our love for our kids. You guys are right. God made us the way we are...for HIS glory. When the disciples ask the LORD about the blind man, why he was born blind. Jesus replied that it was for GOD's glory...its amazing how GOD can transform a seeming curse to a blessing. I am sure that that is HIS approach to us who have this "curse" of pedophilia. Everything works for the good for those who love GOD and are called to HIS purpose. The only things that concern/grieve me involve A. How to set a good example for pedos as well as the Christian world's approach to the problem. There are a lot ...LOT of pedos out there who are sincerely looking for answers. By a large margin, all they hear are either from pedos who encourage them to gratify their lusts or from people who see them as irredeemable monsters. I really want to provide them a third alternative but dont know how. My second concern involves the Christian world's reaction to the issue. As a fervent church worker, I have met so much resistance, misunderstanding, paranoia, hypocrisy and self-righteousness in churches that it literally brought me to tears. How could people who profess to abide in GOD's LOVE be so hateful and cruel? Does GOD view the pedophile any worse than the adulterer or drug addict? Anyway, thank you for your time..I really appreciate it. In Christ, John Guard |