Selfishness On Display

A news report concerning the October issue of “Ms.” magazine caught my attention. According to the news, this upcoming issue will list 1,016 of the over 5,000 signatures of women who signed confessions saying that they took part in the murder of their children. Those who were interviewed justified the murder of their children by saying things like, “I wanted to do something bigger than myself — I didn’t want to be stopped by anything” (signatory Tyffine Jones, 27). Look again at her statement. Was she not stating clearly that she considers motherhood as something that is “less” than what she wanted to be? She was wanting to do something “bigger than herself” so she murdered her child, and has now confessed to the murder in “Ms.” magazine.

Debbie Findling, another signatory in “Ms.” confessed to killing her baby boy last year because he had Down’s Syndrome. She said, “I felt like it was my right to make the decision ….” Later, she added, “I don't regret my decision.” Debbie is a 42 year-old married woman who has plans for writing a book detailing her experiences in killing her baby boy. Currently, she has a 5 year-old girl, and is trying to get pregnant again. Her profession? She is a: philanthropic foundation executive!! (Think: brotherly love, or charitable work toward the needy) Perhaps after this article comes out, she will be fired for not living up to her profession! Certainly, she did something quite “un-philanthropic” (is that a word?) in killing her baby boy. Other murderers who signed confessions in “Ms.” magazine include: Gloria Steinem, Carol Leifer, Kathy Najimy, and Amy Brenneman.

Eleanor Smeal, the president of the Feminist Majority Foundation, which publishes “Ms.” magazine, said that this issue of the magazine was prompted by concern for how the Supreme Court might decide in the coming years relative to mothers killing their children; as well as legislation currently pending in South Dakota where the citizens could vote to have murder outlawed completely in their state. Eleanor is displeased at the possibilities, and in fact, said, “All this seems very dire.” She went on to say, “We have to get away from what the politicians are saying, and get women’s lives back in the picture.” What is left unsaid by Eleanor is: “...Unless these women are killing their daughters, for in those cases, the female child needs to have her voice silenced, too …. That is, unless her mother wants her to live.”

The news report goes on to say that the 5000+ total signatures in “Ms.” magazine will be sent in a petition to Congress, the White House, and state legislators. The reason is not stated, but perhaps the purpose of sending such a petition is so that our country’s legislators and leaders will have the signed confessions of murderers in their hands, so they can see just how many women in this country have little or no respect for human life.

Friends, let us open our eyes to the actions of the world and make sure we do not get caught up in such sin, nor have our children think that this is justified behavior! Paul wrote, “be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom. 12:2). Let us strive to act and live like Christ in all things (Col. 3:17; I Pet. 4:11)!


Selfishness And Murder Often Walk Hand-In-Hand
No, not every selfish person will commit murder. However, “Ms.” magazine has cataloged over 5,000 examples of selfish people who did! Pay careful attention to those who speak of their “right” to take the life of their own child. They must have given themselves the “right” through their selfishness, for God certainly gave no man or woman the right to kill innocent children. I believe such people as are glamorized in this magazine are close relatives to those folks mentioned in Romans 1, whom God said were “without natural affection” and “did not like to retain God in their knowledge” (Rom. 1:31, 28).

At the very least, the October issue of “Ms.” is nothing more than selfishness on display. The women who signed those confessions, and consented to interviews, are declaring their “freedom,” “rights,” etc., to kill their children! How messed up can we be? Sadly, while many women get to confess their crimes in this issue of “Ms.” there is no one speaking up for the dead children! What a tragedy, and how appalling that our nation would have a magazine which defends and promotes selfishness and murder.

“Abortion” = Murder
Some may wonder why I used the term “murder” consistently in the above section, rather than the politically correct term, “abortion.” First, I wrote “murder” because that is what it is. “Abortion” of children is “aborting”, or stopping the pregnancy. Of course, the only way one can “stop” a pregnancy is to deliver the child, living or dead. Yes, there is such a thing as a miscarriage, but those 5000+ women did not sign their names to having miscarriages! They signed their names in confession to actively and willfully stopping their pregnancy by killing their child and delivering a dead baby. Their active pursuit of a child’s death constitutes murder. This is why I wrote “murder” in the above section.

Calling the active and willful taking of a baby’s life “murder” is not unique with me. When we read the Bible, we see God’s view of unborn children. He considers these children just that: human, living, children! We see this in Old Testament days when God spoke to Rebekah, telling her that she was carrying “twins in her womb” (Gen. 21:23-24). She delivered twin boys, the Bible says, that would become fathers of two nations (Gen. 21:26-27, 23). We see God’s attitude toward the unborn children when He proclaimed the death penalty for someone responsible for the death of the unborn child (Ex. 21:12-22). David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, wrote by inspiration that God knew him even before he was born (Ps. 139:15-16). Jeremiah said a similar thing in relation to God knowing him before birth (Jer. 1:5). Solomon wrote that God hates “hands that shed innocent blood” (Prov. 6:17). Can we find anything on earth more innocent than an unborn child? Such passages show us that the unborn babies are alive, human children. Therefore, we need to respect their lives!

When we study the New Testament, we see Luke, a physician inspired of God, wrote about a baby in the womb (Lk. 1:41-44). The words chosen are significant, for he did not call this child “unviable tissue mass” or something akin to that. The original word Luke used was a term specifically used to describe a baby, an infant, or a child! Luke used this term to describe the child Elizabeth was carrying within her (Lk. 1:41). Soon after, her cousin Mary would be pregnant, and Luke used the same word to describe the unborn Christ-child (Lk. 1:26-38; ch. 2)!

Another reason I chose the word “murder” is because the word “abortion” just “white-washes” what has actually taken place. It helps to soothe a bothered conscience when we say “abortion” instead of “murder.” If you are not sure about this, just say the word “abortion” aloud. Then say “murder”. One word actually makes you feel different, doesn’t it? That’s the point! It is high time we felt the concern, worry, and even anger at the sin of murdering one’s own offspring. Let us raise our children up to understand that there is no excuse or reason for murdering their children — in or out of the womb!!

Conclusion
The practice of killing the unborn is not the only example of selfishness on display. We could speak of sodomy (Rom. 1:26-27; I Cor. 6:9-10; etc.), drinking, drug use, and numerous other things. However, it is the murdering of the unborn that is the topic in the magazine, so we include it here to compare that practice and those women’s attitudes with what the Bible says.

In conclusion to our study, let us also understand that folks engaged in such a selfish sin can be forgiven. Christ said that all people can be forgiven through Him. He died for all (Matt. 20:28; II Cor. 5:15; I Jn. 2:2). However, in order to be forgiven of this sin, or of any sin, it demands our faith in Christ (Jn. 8:32; Heb. 11:6), repentance of sin (not staying in sin, Lk. 13:3; Acts 17:30), confessing Christ (Rom. 10:10; Acts 8:37), and being baptized for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:16; Acts 2:38, 22:16). If anyone who has ever been responsible for the death of her child reads this article, I hope she understands the sin that has occurred, and then will turn to Christ for forgiveness. One doing such, is not a selfish person, but has humbly sought forgiveness at the Master’s feet, and the Bible says she will get it! All those who signed the confession in “Ms.” can have forgiveness, too if they will follow the Lord’s plan.

Christ Is Better
The book of Hebrews is a book I enjoy reading and studying. One main thought found within the book of Hebrews is that Christ is “better.” As we read the epistle to the Hebrew Christians, we see that this book is written to keep those Christians from returning to the practices of the old law (Heb. 6:4-6; etc.). These folks had a unique problem, in that they were not only persecuted by Rome for being Christians; but they were also persecuted by their families and fellow Jews for renouncing Judaism! Therefore, this book encourages them to remain faithful to the end by showing how Christ and their relationship to Him is better than anything else (Heb. 3:14, 10:32-39).

He Is Better Than Angels
As we read the book of Hebrews, we find that one way in which these people were encouraged to continue in faithfulness was by showing them that as Christians, when they forsook family and friends to follow Christ (Matt. 10:34-39), they were following One not only better than any man; but One better than angels! Therefore, the book of Hebrews begins by stating that Christ is “so much better than the angels” (Heb. 1:4). God had not fulfilled His plan of salvation through an angel or a plurality of angels, but through One even “better” than angels — Christ (Jn. 3:16; Heb. 1:2-4)!

He Is Better Than Moses
In Hebrews, we find Christ contrasted with Moses. In fact, Jesus is better than Moses (“worthy of more glory than Moses,” 3:3). Yet, while Moses was a “faithful servant” in God’s house, we see Jesus described as “a son over his own house” (Heb. 3:5-6). In fact, Jesus made the point of telling people that Moses wrote of Him (Jn. 5:46-47) and they needed to “search the scriptures” in order to find out this truth (Jn. 5:39). In the Hebrew letter, we see that Jesus is in fact better than Moses in many ways. This will be made clearer as we continue our study.

He Has A Better Priesthood Than Aaron’s
In chapter five, Christ is contrasted with Aaron. At this time, we are shown how Christ’s priesthood is a better priesthood than Aaron’s. In contrast with Aaron who was born into the family of Levi and became a high priest, Jesus’ priesthood is an everlasting priesthood “after the order of Melchizedek” (Heb. 5:6, 10, 6:20, 7:17, 21). The explanation of Christ’s priesthood continues into the seventh chapter of Hebrews. In chapter five, though, we are reminded of the incident in Genesis 14 where after the battle of the kings and the rescue of Lot, Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek (Gen. 14:20). In Hebrews 7, the Holy Spirit notes how the Levites received tithes of the people (7:5). Yet, in Genesis 14, it was Abraham (Levi’s great-grandfather) who gave tithes to Melchizedek (Heb. 7:6)! God made the point that due to Abraham paying tithes to Melchizedek, by extension, it was also Levi paying tithes to Melchizedek (7:9-10). So, for Jesus to be a “priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” actually gives Him a “better” priesthood, for “the less is blessed of the better” (7:7). This was also a better priesthood than Aaron’s, for Christ was made a priest by God’s oath; whereas the Levites became priests without an oath (7:20-21). Christ could not be a priest on earth, for He was of the tribe of Judah (Heb. 7:14). Yet, God was able through a change of the law, to make Him a better priest with an unchangeable priesthood!

He Gives A Better Hope
Within Hebrews 7, we also read of the “better hope” in Christ (7:19). That verse shows us that the Law of Moses could not provide for a “better hope,” but Jesus could! Through this “better hope,” folks are then able to “draw nigh to God”! This becomes yet one more reason for the Hebrew people to continue in their service and faithfulness to Christ. If they tried to return to the Old Law, they would have no access to that better hope, for it is only found in Christ! For this same reason, James is able to write to Christians and tell them, “draw nigh to God and he will draw nigh to you...” (Jas. 4:8). When Christ brought a “better hope,” men were then able to “draw nigh to God”!

He Has A Better Testament
Another “better” thing found in Hebrews 7 is that in Christ, we have a “better testament” (7:22). This is repeated in Hebrews 8:6 and said that Christ is “the mediator of a better covenant established upon better promises”! What a beautiful thought! The new covenant that Christ brought into being is actually better than the previous covenant; and those of us living after Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension can take full advantage of this “better covenant”!

He Offered Better Sacrifices
While continuing to convince the Hebrew Christians to remain faithful to the Lord, they were also reminded of the “better sacrifices” offered in Christ. In Old Testament days, sacrifices of bulls, goats, turtledoves, sheep, etc., were offered to God. Blood from sacrificial animals was sprinkled for the people, for “almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission” (Heb. 9:22). Yet, Christ offered “better sacrifices”! In this case, our high priest became the sacrifice for sins (Heb. 9:14, 26). He offered Himself once and for all (Heb. 10:10, 12), and applied His blood in Heaven for us (Heb. 9:24, 10:19). Hebrews 12:24 says Christ’s blood “speaks better things than that of Abel”! Truly, His sacrifice became the better sacrifice by which we can obtain salvation and look forward to Heaven when this life is over!

He Gives A Better And Enduring Substance
This is the promise to all the redeemed! Read Hebrews 10:34, and realize that in context, these people had suffered much for Christ. They had “endured a great fight of affliction”, “were made a gazingstock”, “became companions of them that were so used”, and “took joyfully the spoiling of your goods” (Heb. 10:32-34). Yet, as bad as this was, they were encouraged to continue in Christ, for in Him, there is a “better and enduring substance” awaiting them. He continues by saying they had “great recompence of reward” (Heb. 10:35). What encouragement! Such things ought to have helped them see past the terrible, but momentary problems in this life and focus upon Heaven. Hebrews 11 says that it was to Heaven, the “better country”, that those great faith heroes looked while they endured hardships and suffered (Heb. 11:16). The same words of encouragement given to the Hebrews ought to encourage us. As Jesus said, “he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matt. 10:22). This promise is made not only to the Jewish Christians, but to anyone who belongs to Christ! Therefore, let us be ready to endure our problems and temptations, and remember, “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Matt. 6:19-21). The apostle Peter also wrote about this, telling Christians that they have, “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in Heaven for you” (I Pet. 1:4). Truly, it is a “better and enduring substance” that awaits the child of God in eternity!

He Promised A Better Resurrection
Continuing to read in Hebrews 11, we find some folks who truly suffered terrible tortures for God. In their suffering, we see folks who did not flinch, nor try to run from the pain and suffering. Rather, “... others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Heb. 11:35). This passage touches my heart in many ways. Notice that there were folks who endured trial and tortures, including death, because they knew there was a “better resurrection” to come. Friends, can we understand that because of Christ, those who have obeyed His plan of salvation can also look forward to that “better resurrection”?!? There is something far better than being released from a prison cell, or even from a torturer’s whip. At most, all those people can do is kill you (Matt. 10:28). There is a better resurrection to come. Jesus guaranteed that it is going to happen one day (I Cor. 15:20-24).

He Is The Better Thing
Don’t forget to read Hebrews 11:40! The “better thing” of this passage ties together the above passages we have studied, and prepares us for the description of Christ in Hebrews 12:1-2!!

Conclusion
Based upon this study, can we see why it was so important that the Jewish Christians remained faithful to God? Friend, remember that Christ needs to be the focus of all we do! We Christians are recipients of these blessings in Christ. Can you think of anything “better” than being a Christian? I can’t!