Aids Alert
by Morris Inch(4)AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) appears to have reached a near epidemic level. It is estimated that 1 to 1.2 million Americans are implicated. Seventy-five percent of these are males. It is said to be the third leading cause of death among men ages 25-44.
AIDS is acquired via contaminated blood, vaginal fluids, semen, and breast milk. Conversely, it is not transmitted through incidental contact: coughing or the like. A disproportionately high percentage of the infected populace results from homosexual and/or drug related activity. However, lesbians are much less likely to contact AIDS than their male counterparts.
All this recalls Paul’s admonition, "Flee from sexual immorality" (1 Cor. 6:18). In greater detail, a monogamous relationship is said to be safe if both partners are without infection, neither cohabitates with a third person, or becomes engaged in a drug activity calculated to increase the risk.
Michael McKenzie recalls his unnerving visit to an AIDs’ ward: "Some of the patients reminded me of the horrible photographs of inmates in concentration camps; despite their youth their bodies were emaciated shells, their faces pinched and gaunt." This was not unlike the film clips we were shown in the military, to discourage us from elicit sex. Some actually fled from the theater, realizing that they might be infected.
Moreover, society ought not to encourage promiscuous behavior through misleading information. For instance, safe sex programs appear not to substantially reduce infection. Whatever the advantage of taking precautions, it appears largely off-set by perceived acceptance if not approval.
"All other sins a man commits are outside his body," the apostle continues, "but he who sins sexually sins against his own body." His curious reference to outside the body was perhaps a saying meant to suggest that overt behavior does not compromise one’s personal integrity. In any case, the apostle disallows this reasoning.
"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit," Paul rhetorically inquires, "who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." Since our bodies are likened to temples, we ought not to desecrate them. Since we are bought with a price, we should not devalue them. Since we are indebted to the Almighty, we are meant instead to honor him.
Underlying this appeal is the realization that we can choose either to desecrate the temple or adorn it. One does not have to act in an immoral fashion. Abstinence is a legitimate option, as is marriage in most instances—if one takes his or her vows seriously. Increasingly in American society, this appears not to be the case. Accordingly, Paul’s appeal that we cleanse the temple seems most timely. Various related topics are taken up in my recently published book Thumbs Up For the Family.
Article submitted Wednesday, July 28, 2010 & read 305 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Carol Allen Anfinsen(12) (43 days 17 hours ago.)
A much needed article, Morris. You presented the information compassionately and urgently. Thanks!Respond to this comment
» left by Morris Inch from Russellville, Ark. (43 days 16 hours ago.)
Thank you Carol for your gracious comment. It is certainly a matter for sustained prayer and appropriate action.Respond to this comment
» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow (43 days 13 hours ago.)
We as a society need to listen to the Lord and He is speaking to us in so many, many ways!Respond to this comment
» left by Morris Inch(4) (42 days 20 hours ago.)
I quite agree, Marijo.Respond to this comment