THE PRIDE OF PERVERSION

(Here is an article written by Paul Proctor and posted on NewsWithViews on February 20, 2008)

It goes without saying that the world around us is becoming an increasingly vulgar place. One need only turn on network television in the morning to see and hear things once reserved for cable, satellite or after hours viewing.

I suppose that's why the studio audience laughed when "born again" Hollywood actress, Jane Fonda, recently used a four letter word to reference a certain part of the female anatomy on NBC's The Today Show while viewers were eating breakfast with their children - something the host strangely felt compelled to apologize for later.

Further complicating matters are all of the differing definitions now of what is and isn't decent. For instance, throwing an empty coke can out a car window these days might be considered more offensive than hurling an obscenity or an extended middle finger. Consider which of the above will most likely get you a citation.

Have you ever wondered why?

The sad result is children growing up in a world choosing value systems much like they choose computer operating systems. They're taught by our conflicting and confusing standards that there is no right or wrong system. One is merely incompatible with the other; so, just pick the most personally appealing to you and get on with your life because it really doesn't matter in the end.

But, you see, it does matter.

Vulgarity is near-sighted. It sees only its immediate desire - not the long-term or widespread consequences. It is the ultimate expression of pride, selfishness and rebellion and the predecessor and prophet of violence - a force with no conscience or compassion - only cravings set on satisfaction.

When I read or hear of militant homosexuals trying to use the Word of God to justify their own deviancy by saying fire and brimstone rained down on Sodom and Gomorrah because of their "lack of hospitality," I don't know whether to laugh or cry!

Ezekiel 16:49-50 is explicitly clear about why they were destroyed and it had nothing to do with hospitality. You see, the inhabitants there weren't just depraved - they were proud of their depravity and couldn't wait to force it on others. And it is that pride in their perversion that earned them the wrath of God.

I would also add that vigilante violence against homosexuals is just as vulgar because is too is rooted in rebellion. Heterosexual pride and perversion is no less evil than "gay pride" and perversion. Neither of them produces the fruit of the Spirit the Apostle Paul wrote about.

America didn't invent vulgarity anymore than Sodom and Gomorrah invented homosexuality; but if and when we as a nation become so proud of our perversions that we collectively pleasure ourselves victimizing others with them, I have no doubt God's mercy will again give way to His wrath.

Ezek. 16:49-50 Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

Prov. 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Prov. 8:13 The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.