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The nature around us created by the Almighty is wonderful and beautiful, the vivid colours, patterns, designs and variety of creations inspires and fascinate us, we appreciate it and enjoy being a part of it. The creation created by our Heavenly Father is inspirational and provides a sense of comfort in many ways. Whether it be sea shores, sunsets, raindrops, colourful birds or fishes, flowers, mountains, trees or any other natural sightings, He created all to accompany us in our journey of life.
We admire things which are good or different in appearance and likewise it is natural human desire to look good and we want to adorn ourselves differently and most beautifully so that others can admire us. To accomplish the same, we wear precious stones, jewels, gold or silver and put any other makeover which will enhance our appearance and make us look good. When a person wears costly jewels, precious gems, apparels or takes un-ordinary stylish makeovers, the purpose which originates is to seek attention and admiration of others. This often serves two purposes, it causes pride to step in and arouses envy in others. Any enhancement or self adornment that is used to inspire envy or admiration in others for one’s body, or one’s wealth, is wrong. It is wearing on the outside the pride that is reigning in the heart on the inside. The body piercings, tattoos and scarification that are famous among today’s young people are expressly forbidden by the Scriptures.
Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD. {Leviticus 19:28}
A person might claim - I do not tattoo myself in the memory of anyone passed away, neither do I seek attention by the same, it is not a sin as far as I know and nor does it harms anyone in any way. If others feel envied, it is their problem.
But looking somewhat closely, by putting a tattoo or any other such mark, a person breaks the commandment of the Almighty listed above and thus commits sin. And a person who seeks to follow the Saviour and his commandments will not have a hardened heart towards the sentiments of others. Moreover by putting any marks on one's body, a person dishonours his own body and gives a signal that he doesn't like his natural appearance with what the Almighty has gifted him.
For the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. {1 Corinthians 3:17}
It is correct that by following Him and His commandments on a daily basis we transform ourselves to be a more pious and holy soul, but mere surface transformation is not what the Almighty is looking for. Rather, Almighty looks at the inner heart: the attitudes and beliefs that constitute the soul. We do not need to prove ourself unique or different in how do we appear, because every soul is unique and precious in His eyes. This is why outward appearance hardly matters to Him.
For the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. {1 Samuel 16:7}
We are instructed to be of modest and simple appearance, and adornment should be that of the soul.
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. {1 Peter 3:3,4}
One similar point which confuses people is about drinking alcohol. People drink alcohol sometimes occasionally on some festive seasons and sometimes to celebrate an event or any success. A person usually starts to drink alcoholic beverages to show to his friends that he has grown up or to have an experience how it feels or tastes, and over time, the person develops addiction to the alcoholic beverages. The more strong the alcoholic beverage, the more proud he feels to his friends to have consumed the same. People who consume alcohol sometimes quote Deuteronomy 14 as a proof to show that consuming alcohol is acceptable unto the Almighty.
And if the way be too long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it; or if the place be too far from thee, which the LORD thy God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD thy God hath blessed thee: Then shalt thou turn it into money, and bind up the money in thine hand, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose: And thou shalt bestow that money for whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatsoever thy soul desireth: and thou shalt eat there before the LORD thy God, and thou shalt rejoice, thou, and thine household. {Deuteronomy 14:24-26}
The Almighty works with people where they are. He never leads them faster than they can follow. In His tender mercy, He leads individual minds to truth as it can be grasped. Even when He acknowledged the Israelites desire to drink wine or strong drink, it was at specific times or seasons and never to be in amounts that would lead to intoxication. Scripture is full of warnings against the free consumption of alcohol.
Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. {Proverbs 20:1}
Because alcohol is addictive, many people who started out as mere 'social drinkers', unintentionally end up as alcoholics. When a person is even mildly intoxicated, his senses are impaired. He loses his ability to think rationally. A person is responsible for actions committed and wrongs done to others while under the influence of alcohol. At times, when the work pressures are more, the work-life balance seems to have been imbalanced, a person turns to alcohol and considers to have 'lighten' his burden. Whereas, a person usually gets addicted to it, and when tensions arrive, he feels helpless but to turn to alcohol and falsely assumes his addiction to be his helper. Damages done by consuming excess alcohol for a prolonged duration of time is well known, not only it damages the physical body, it damages the relations also in a family and to extreme alcoholics, it ruins the life. If you are consuming alcohol, then consider today itself to quit the same, it may require some time, effort and honest prayers, but over time and by the grace of the Almighty, the addiction to consume alcohol will pass away. Be firm and steadfast in denying the offering of any alcoholic beverages, it is no proud thing to be an alcoholic, neither is it a thing to be ashamed-off of not consuming alcohol.
Sometimes, people who consider themselves to be well doing in all areas of life are lacking in particular areas. They develop weakness in such areas and might consider them normal, as all else around them are doing the same thing. Pornography is a similar sin that is propagating across all age categories, among married couples
and singles alike and now, with the easy access of the Internet, pornography is more readily available than ever before. Whereas, before, a person had to risk the embarrassment of exposure by buying or renting pornography from stores, now anyone can gain access to porn in the privacy of their own home via the Internet. Those who start with a guilt, over time, consider it normal and acceptable and find nothing wrong with it, as they learn to tolerate and accept this sin. Lack of moral values in the surroundings, glorification of degrading thoughts and intentions by the media, coupled with the loneliness a person faces while struggling to 'survive' in the competitive and self-oriented environments, it is easy for a person to get trapped in pornography. Pornography dilutes the thought process and the person involved in it loses good judgement, his thoughts and imaginations become degraded and this brings about damage of the character. All have been clearly warned by Yahushua about the impact of any wrong thought processes:
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery; but I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. {Matthew 5:27, 28}
Porn in the form of pictures, movies, tv shows, magazines etc. acts like a slow poison at work, seriously damaging or destroying the imagination power of the person involved. A person might never realize, when get involved in porn, as to when porn became an addiction. It produces the same consequences as that produced by drugs, alcohol, cigarettes etc. or even worse, since these products damage the body, which can be recovered from the damages or after effects under proper medical supervision, but porn aims to destroy the soul. Pornography causes the person involved to get disconnected from the surroundings, he tends to more degraded levels of porn and unintentionally becomes addicted to it. The person might feel as has become slaved to it and cannot quit even if he hates pornography, and might be feeling timid to ask help of anyone. Pornography is a soul destroying vice, it should not be given any chance to tempt us at any point in time. Do not let the false and immoral imaginations or thoughts make place in the mind. No matter, if a person has started towards pornography or has become addicted to it, it is always the right time to quit now. The Almighty is all time ready to hear and reply to our honest prayers, His hands are at all times stretched out to support us in times of need and to keep us from falling, even before we expect any response.
Call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee. {Psalms 50:15}
There are some people who consider themselves to be walking good, according to the directions and laws of the scriptures. They assume it is their duty to inform and tell others of the wrong, if any, others are doing. They might be doing well in the same, but sometimes they often overlook or ignore their own seemingly 'small' sins when compared
to others to whom they hold responsible for committing sins. Although, it is instructed as per the scriptures to keep anyone, in our close vicinity, from doing anything wrong and if possible, guide and mentor them to the right paths, but at the same time we should make sure not to demoralize or judge them concerning their actions. This is because, judging anyone itself is an unrighteous act.
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. {Galatians 6:1}
Judge not, that ye be not judged. {Matthew 7:1}
A person might get confused as to whether he is mentoring anyone or unknowingly, unintentionally judging anyone. It might be as simple as this, when a person considers himself more righteous than others, and counts others guilty of committing anything wrong, then he is judging, and when he is informing others of what their actions might result in and guiding them how to keep righteous, helping or mentoring them without letting others feel uncomfortable of their wrong actions, then he is doing a righteous and acceptable task, which is his duty.
And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? {Matthew 7:3,4}
A person who is judging the other persons finds faults in them, and considers the correct way the other people should follow to keep away from those faults and always expects the same from them. Although such persons might themselves be not tracing the same correct path as expected. Thus, the problems become complicated and there remains always a sense of regret in the person who is judging the others. Blaming, discouraging and judging others never serves the purpose of bringing about correction or righteousness, on the contrary it may lead others to do completely the reverse of what has been expected or accepted. It also makes ourselves righteous in our own eyes, and considering ourselves more righteous than others is again not acceptable in the sight of the Almighty.
For every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. {Luke 18:14}
These might be few of the many reasons why the Saviour has commanded us not to judge anyone. Just as no one should judge another for having different color skin or hair, or having inherited different wrong tendencies, none should judge others concerning their wrong actions or behaviours. We should, if it be possible and adjustable, should help and guide others but never blame or discourage them.
We love our family and dear ones, our love towards them is seen in the care towards them, and similarly, in their concern towards us. We get worried at any troubles that arrive
at them and getting worried is a sign that shows our love, care and concern for them. It is very painful for a person to bear the loss of a dear one due to death. Those who have lost loved ones in death, still miss the person they knew. They still long for contact and guidance from the one who has died. In a desperate attempt to communicate beyond the grave, many turn to séances, trances, Ouija boards and mediums to contact the dead. Our loving heavenly Father sought to protect His children from this danger. He clearly warned:
For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing. {Ecclesiastes 9:5}
Because there is no soul-life after death, any communication in any form claiming to be from a dead person, actually comes from demonic spirits. Satan's fallen angels are capable of perfectly impersonating the dead. How the person looked, how he walked, the sound of his voice, his exact handwriting, knowledge of personal life, recollection of private history - all can be perfectly imitated by demonic spirits. The relationship between husband and wife, parent and child, friend and relative can be used by demonic spirits to entice a person to reach out to the dead. The love the living still feel for the one who has died is manipulated by demonic spirits trying to gain an opening to the mind. Encounters with demonic spirits posing as dead loved ones are very addictive. They feel exhilarating, exciting and life changing. Such out-of-the-ordinary encounters with demonic spirits offer the illusion of hope, comfort and "proof" that the loved one is still present. Some people, in their attempt to know the future events that might take place in their life and to get guidance regarding the same, use such mediums to contact some spirits so that their purpose is fulfilled. Common methods used by secular people to communicate with the dead are Ouija boards and séances, Tarot cards, crystal balls and astrological predictions from the zodiac. New Age deep meditation and hypnotism are particularly dangerous. They are not recognized as being channels to demons, but they provide a direct pathway for demonic influence upon the mind.
Non-religious people who deny the existence of demonic forces are especially vulnerable to being convinced by paranormal activities that the dead are speaking to them.
Communication with demonic spirits is very dangerous. It cannot be explained logically but the results are very real. The living want to believe that the dead still love them and can offer wisdom from beyond the grave. However, demonic spirits want to destroy every person who will listen to them. All communications are calculated to ensnare and devastate. The Almighty wants to protect His children from this evil. He strongly and clearly forbids any form of communication with the dead because all such communication is with demonic spirits.
There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD. {Deuteronomy 18:10-12}
Death is an inevitable truth, it may be natural or due to some mis-happenings, timely or untimely, the loss incurred due to it is not measurable. Keeping our trust and faith in the Almighty and His will, will help us to lighten our burden and the loss incurred. We need not put our trust in the stars for the future events, as the stars change but not the Almighty.
Ask the Almighty in prayers to provide the strength to overcome the addictive habits. Whatever our weaknesses or wrong tendencies might be, He is always ready to deliver us and to protect us if we approach Him honestly and truthfully. Although the Almighty is quick to hear and reply to us, the responses may not be instantaneous or as expected at all times, as He does that which works to our best and not that what we think is the best. Just as a person does not develops addiction in a single day, the same way addictions might not be loosed in a single day. Have patience and trust in Him, He will help us.
All who are seeking eternal life, offered as free gift to all who will accept His invitation and Word, will lay aside alcohol and every other mind-numbing, sin-addicting practice. A person might consider, Is the Almighty for the righteous only? As I have sinned enough, I am not worthy to follow the Saviour. But this is not true, Yahushua has mentioned that He has come to save the sinners. Again, a person might consider, I have always been good, so I might not require Yahushua, but again this is not true, because no one here is without sin except Yahushua Himself.
When you are confronted with a temptation, there are only one of the two options available to you: 1. To give in; 2. To get divine help. The Almighty offers every encouragement to inspire hope in the heart of the person. The Almighty will never force the will, however, He will never cleanse the heart of one who desires to cling to indulgence in sin. In order to be saved, a person must ask for a change of the heart, the mind. His ear is ever ready to hear; His arm is ever stretched out to save. Do not get disheartened at the failures while struggling against the temptations, the Almighty is always ready to forgive and at the same time, do not get moved by the temptations keeping the false of hopes deliverance. If we will not do our part, neither will the Almighty do His. Study the scriptures on a daily basis, this will help us develop faith in the Almighty and His word.
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