When it
comes to the history of birth control in America, very few are aware that
contraception was actually illegal in the United States for over 60 years well
into the 20th century until 1936. Some
state laws against the prevention of conception existed as late as 1965. Many
know about Margaret Sanger and Planned Parenthood but often forgets that the
battle waged in the early 20th century was over the legalization of
contraception.
Historically
society’s embrace and overwhelming acceptance of child prevention as a battle
for privacy in marriage waged and the practice of limiting family size took
hold. Raising godly children is no longer marriage’s primary purpose as the
global acceptance of birth control inevitably led to a tragic breakdown in the
values of family life. To some children
are no longer considered a blessing but rather a burden.[1]
The Book
of Deuteronomy is portrayed as a series of admonitions Moses presents to the Israelites
right before they cross into the promised land. He sets forth very clearly the reality
they will be facing: If they are obedient to God’s commandments, they will have
prosperity and life. If they choose disobedience, they will experience
adversity, which will lead to death. These are the choices Israel is facing. Keep
in mind Israel has not had a very credible track record of faithfulness in the
past. The choices she makes will determine the future she encounters.
Moses
urges the people to choose life, which means loving God by obeying God’s voice.
There is no ambiguity in the choices facing the Israelites. There is no ambiguity in the conditions Jesus
sets forth for discipleship which are rooted in His choice of the cross.
Discipleship
means taking up the cross daily and following Jesus. Discipleship demands a
radical reversal in expectation. Saving one’s life demands losing one’s life
but losing one’s life for Jesus’ sake amounts to gaining life.
Lent is
our opportunity to revisit our life choices.
When we approach this mystery, proclaim our Amen, our proclamation of "I believe", does it translate
or manifest itself into the type of fasting God desires? “Releasing those bound unjustly, untying the thongs of the
yoke; Setting free the oppressed, breaking every yoke; Sharing your bread with
the hungry, sheltering the oppressed and the homeless; Clothing the naked when
you see them, and not turning your back on your own.” (Is
58:6-7)
As a human relations adviser one of my bosses advised me, “Be sure our own backyard is clean before you try to fix others.” As we discern our Lenten action plan of alms giving, prayer, and fasting let us fast in a manner acceptable to God so that “the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.” (Is 58:8)
[1] BIRTHCONTROL: How Did We
Get Here? © 2013-2014. http://www.thebirthcontrolmovie.com/the-films/how-did-we-get-here
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