There has been, for some time in our nation, a push for an attitude of tolerance toward things which we have traditionally, considered immoral. Concerning everything from abortion to homosexuality, from teen promiscuity to unwholesome television and movie productions, we are told to just be tolerant The reason? If we suppress the urges and inclinations, and limit the modes of expression of individuals, they, can't experience a full kind of happiness. In order to be happy, it is implied that freedom from restraint must be religiously observed. Thus, immorality and happiness are linked together in a situation wherein one is absolutely necessary in bringing about the other.

Now, the question which needs to be pondered in the mind of the libertarian is this: Is it necessary to be free from restraint in moral (and other) matters in order to be happy? Consider God's word, and how it deals with restraint. The Bible is very plain in its expectation that men obey God, restrain themselves from immorality, and order their lives in a pure and simple way (cf. I Con 6:9-10; John 14:15; Titus 2:9-10; 1 Peter 1: 13-16).

The Bible does not leave us without reasons for its insistence upon restraint and obedience. First of all, God assures us that obedience to Him is for our greatest good (I John 5:3). It is not difficult to see a very practical application of this principle. Many of the hardships which come into the lives of people come as a direct result of things which the Bible regards as sin (venereal diseases, and drug-related health problems are two good examples). Obeying God, one would avoid these things completely.

Secondly, restraint builds contentment. The underlying cause of immorality is desire which, in the context of sin, the Bible identifies as lust (James 1: 14-15, New King James Version). We say that contentment comes from learning to want less things (cf. Phil. 4: 11). The same is true of restraining ourselves from immorality. Can we not learn to lessen our desire for things that are harmful to us? Thus, we learn that happiness is not brought about by freedom from restraint, rather, just the opposite is true. The less desire we have for the sinful pleasures, the happier we will be.

We cannot overlook the greatest reason for obedience and restraint. They are steps in our journey to heaven, our ultimate happiness. To the Christian, heaven is not fantasy, it is reality (I Thess. 4:13-18). In I Cor. 6, the reason Paul gives for avoiding the sins mentioned there is that those who practice those sins will not "inherit the kingdom of God" (v. 10; cf. 1 Cor. 15:24).

Morality is the way to be truly happy, and the Christian understands this. Restraint from sin brings about real contentment and freedom. Perhaps we can share these thoughts with those who insist that they can only be happy if they can be free from law, morality, and obedience.

Ladies work Group
The Ladies' Work Group will meet tomorrow evening (Mon) at 7pm and will meet every 4th Monday at 7pm until further notice.

FSOP Extension Class
The Florida School of Preaching extension class that is taught by Bob Bauer and held here at Orange Street each Thursday evening, started last week. It is still not too late to enroll. There are registration forms available online at www.fsop.net or see Bob Bauer. Study notes for the class are also available online at www.orangestreetcofc.com.

Our attitude toward sin is extremely important to our creator. The difference between the lost and the saved must be one's attitude toward God's law and toward sin. Man is imperfect in action, but he has the ability to inwardly identify with God and righteousness. Man can live so that sin does not reign in his mortal body. (Romans 6:10)

Don’t Forget the Weekly Prayer Meeting in classroom #3, Sundays at 5:30 p.m.