Does 'Legal' Always Mean 'Moral'?

Does ‘Legal’ Always Mean ‘Moral?’

           

            Because something is “legal” does that make it right? We all must make responsible choices daily, regardless of how we “feel” about it. When the alarm goes off for school or work, we know it’s time to get up even though we’d “love” to lie in bed. We get up because it’s right to get up; to ignore that responsibility has corresponding consequences. So it is in every aspect of life on this planet.

            Laws are intended to regulate and guide human behavior. Driving on the right side of the road grants me freedom to use the highway. To drive down the left side violates the law and not only “robs” my freedom, but jeopardizes the safety of those coming the other way.

            The Ten Commandments given to Moses (Exodus 20) have been the basic Moral Code throughout civilization. They are still etched on government walls around the country. “Thou shalt not steal; thou shalt not kill (murder); thou shalt not commit adultery,” etc. are also “etched” in the human conscience. Yes, these laws are constantly violated, but not without an inner witness of that violation or failure. To disregard these absolutes is to welcome anarchy.

            The other side of the coin is the “legalization” of man-made laws that violate God’s laws. For instance, the notorious Roe vs. Wade Decision in 1973 making abortion “legal” has created an ongoing battleground in our nation. In fact, it has divided us down the middle, and has become a primary litmus test in identifying the stance of political candidates. To be “pro-life” (anti-abortion) has been equated with a lack of concern for “women’s rights.” But the greater issue is: Does a living fetus (baby) have a “right” to be born?

            Snuffing out the life of an unborn baby is a violation of God’s law, causing the consciences of God-fearing people to “scream.” O, yes, it’s “legal” to get an abortion, and it can be rationalized in many ways; but when all is said and done, is it right??

            Many things that are “legal” are not necessarily right or profitable. It’s “legal” to drink alcohol, smoke, watch pornography, gamble, etc., etc. but is it good or beneficial? Rather than asking “what’s wrong” with something, we might ask “what’s right with it?” Homes have been utterly destroyed by engagement in “legal” activities taken to extreme. Legality doesn’t make everything right.

            Significantly, Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Evidently true love has a standard; it’s not nebulous. It’s right for children to obey the moral instruction of parents; this is an expression of “love” from both sides. Loving instruction (law) and loving submission go together, resulting in healthy family development.

            Unfortunately, “love” has been relegated to sheer emotion and selfish desire. It’s been confused with “lust”; being interpreted as, “If it feels good, do it.” But we all know  that there are things that we “feel” like doing at times that would end us up in jail!

            Love has the other person’s highest good in mind, while lust is about me. The opposite of “love” is not hatred per/se, but selfishness! While lust can’t wait to get, “love” can wait to give. Lust is selfish, but love is selfless. This applies to the present epidemic of pre-marital sex and babies born out of wedlock. Young ladies looking for “love” and a secure relationship are duped by young men with raging hormones who only have sex in mind! That’s why sex is a gift from God reserved for marriage, where it becomes productive and practiced without guilt. “Marriage is honorable…and the bed undefiled; but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.” (Heb. 13:4)

            In closing, I can only touch the ongoing debate regarding so-called “same-sex marriage.” The argument centers on the “right” to “marry” anyone that you “love,” regardless of gender. But suppose that “right” is wrong? Same-sex intimacy defies God’s law and even nature itself. It crosses the proverbial line! That’s why there’s such a furor among God-fearing people. There’s that witness within, like the abortion issue, which says “that’s wrong.” Plus, how far will it go? Are we opening the door for polygamy, bestiality and incest? I think so.

            Why should it be wrong for a father to have sex with a daughter or a son as long as they “love” each other? Yes, there’s still some indignation left toward pedophiles, who molest young children; but not for long. After all, what’s the big deal, if a clergyman, for instance, can gain the “consensual love” of an innocent boy before committing his perverted act?

            The sobering truth is that we are now “legalizing” immorality, making the moral law “obsolete.” In other words, the rules have changed, whereby the embracing of God’s absolute law now becomes “immoral” and/or “unloving.”Talk about perversion! The Supreme Court better think this through. The future of America is not looking good.