It's easy for us to judge others based on their lifestyles and personal choices … but what about ourselves? I thought I'd shift the tone of things a little bit this week. It is so easy to hate a person and say they are wrong because of their lifestyle choices, sexual orientation, etc., but what gives us the right to do so? At times we can all be quick to throw a few Bible verses at people that justify a position we feel a certain way about or that imposes our morality on someone, but what makes us think we can do that? I have a short list of three things the Bible has spoken against, but we do anyway. Please note the verses used are the New Living Translation, New International Version or the King James Version of the Bible.
So, let's begin …
1. Fortune Telling
I'm not sure if people even dial those 1-800 numbers anymore, but I know I certainly check my horoscope every now and then. Also, we all enjoy cracking open a fortune cookie or two and seeing what wise proverb or good fortune has been given to us. While those simple acts seem harmless enough, they are still wrong according to the Good Book.
What the Bible says about it?
"'Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them" –Leviticus 19:31, NIV
2. Tattoos/Earrings
Tattoos and piercings may be one of the greatest and most commonly used forms of self-expression there is. I know I'd like to have one … if I wasn't so frightened by needles. Be it a cute little heart or butterfly on your ankle, a picture of a loved one, or even a Bible verse, it's still a "no-no" according to the Bible.
What the Bible says about it?
""Do not cut your bodies for the dead, and do not mark your skin with tattoos." –Leviticus 19:28, NLT
3) Wearing Gold … or Pearls … and Expensive Clothing
I know, I know … sounds crazy to us today, right? I love my pearl earrings and bracelets, and I as far as gold is concerned, I know most people love that as well. Just about everyone has some items made from pearls or gold of some sort, be it a bracelet, necklace, earrings, or another type of jewelry. Also, we all have a few articles of clothing in our closet that we know we don't need or shouldn't have bought because of the price, but we did so anyways. While this particular decree in the Bible is more so directed toward women, it can certainly relate to many guys today also.
What the Bible says about it?
"And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes." -1 Timothy 2:9 NLT
The moral of this story – well, article- is quite simple. Let's try not to judge each other when we ourselves aren't even close to being perfect. We all have to remember that before we get ready to fling a Bible at someone's face that we all have messed up at some point. As stated in the Bible, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.." (Romans 2:23 KJV)
Please note: This is just a small list I composed, nothing major. I am by no means telling anyone how to live or what to do. Also, I'm aware that we all interpret the Bible in different ways. Some of us may look at it literally and others may not. Some consider the Old Testament to be made void the New Testament, while I personally consider both parts as being of equal importance. However you feel, just know that you have a right to feel whatever way you want, and I respect that, so I'd appreciate the same from you.
