Money and flesh

Galatians 6:1-10           Money & Flesh                                                                                                           

      

           I heard an expression once, perhaps a justification of sorts but I believe it. The saying goes something like this: Money is not the root of all evil, the love of money is the root of all evil.

          I would make a similar distinction in the part of this scripture passage about 'sowing to your own flesh'. Many churches would have you believe that sex is evil in every form, simply a means for procreation they say. I would argue that anything to excess can become an evil. Like my previous example, it's not money that is bad, it is the love of money. It is not sex that is bad, it is only when that becomes an obsession. Anything that surpasses God as our primary goal and guide in life becomes evil. That is not to say that we should not enjoy the gifts that God has given us. They were given to us for a reason.

          Sexual standards have not really changed all that much over the millenia. Puritanical views and enforcement of narrow minded behaviors have certainly grown though. This is especially true in religions that wield considerable power. The sexual standards become guided by a male dominated, euro centric paradigm. It seems to me, from what reading I have done in scripture and elsewhere, that almost all sexual activity was acceptable as long as it was not abusive, degrading and it was consensual. You can take specific note that I am not considering some sexual practices that appear in Hebrew scripture that a literalist might lead you to believe make they are acceptable. Take for example Lot. He had sex with his two daughters after the daughters get him drunk, afraid they would go childless.  Ancient scripture is rich with stories of sex, infidelity and rape. The key for me is the guide that sex not be abusive, degrading and it must be consensual.

         Otherwise, like money, sex kept in proper perspective is a joy that God has graced us with. Perhaps sex is all the more joyous and acceptable because it is given to us at birth with no strings attached. We were born sexual beings and we remain so. It is a part of our make up, the way God made us. I could not imagine that God created us with a segment of our being that is intrinsically evil.

Galatians 6:1-10

         My friends, if anyone is detected in a transgression, you who have received the Spirit should restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness. Take care that you yourselves are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves. All must test their own work; then that work, rather than their neighbor’s work, will become a cause for pride. For all must carry their own loads.

Those who are taught the word must share in all good things with their teacher.

Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit. So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.