Great Thought of Yesterday

About a year and a half ago, I was going on a mission trip and, quite frankly, knew I needed to get my own beliefs in line. With the guidance of my youth pastor, I read through several of the gospels with an open mind for the first time. Since that time, I've been working on what I believe and why. It's taken me a quite a while to come up with what I believe and I still have questions, but one thing has become increasingly clear to me: God wants us to live a certain way because it's best for us, not because he wants to show how Godly we are by being under some sort of burden.

For example, a friend of mine got his girlfriend pregnant (which is a big no-no in church society) but as I reasoned out why that is "wrong" I found that there is NOTHING in the Bible that explicitly says that this is wrong (no, the verse you are thinking of is refering to prostitutes or rape). If that's the case (which it is) what's wrong with it (if it's wrong)? I see two possible answers: 1. Anything close to maybe not alright in the area of sex should be avoided because it may be bad. 2. It's really dang hard for a young couple to raise a child. I personally believe #2 and was there for my friend 100% because of that.

Now backing up to the Bible and the Law (refering to the Old Testament law) could it be that the Law is like this unwritten rule not to have sex out of marriage, that it's there cause these things were best for the Jewish people? I find it interesting that some of the laws were to not eat pig and shellfish; it's interesting because at the time the Law was written it was very easy to get sick from from eating these animals.

While I was reading through the gospels, this verse just ate at me "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." (Matt 5:17) What is Jesus saying? He's obviously not saying to forget the Law like many Christians do, but he's also not saying that things stay the same. So again, what is he saying? The only logical answer I see is that he is saying that there is still a certain right way to live, but now you follow this right way because it's best, not because you're "supposed to".

So how does this relate to smoking? Well, what's best for people? What's right? With this one, the answer will most likely be not to smoke. It hurts your lungs bad, and that's not the best thing for people. But before you become too smug in thinking I'm saying smoking is bad, what about this scenario?: Your coworker is really ripped up about a bunch of stuff that has happened in his life recently and you think the best thing is to be there for him. Except there is one problem, the only time you get to talk to him is during break, where he is certain to go out for a smoke. What's right and wrong now? Secondhand smoke is supposed to be worse than the real thing, though not as concentrated. Like the band Discover America says "There's a million miles of grey".

One last thing. You may be thinking (like I did) if this is the case, what does Christ's sacrifice mean? Maybe it's forgiveness for screwing up God's perfect world, maybe that's the sin.

Anyway, I've said my piece. I don't think this is the standard view, but it's mine and I think it makes sense. If I'm only making sense to myself, please be sure to ask me to clarify.

Aright, peace out!

BTW, The entire time I wrote this I was listening to Abigail's Ghost, found at www.myspace.com/abigailsghost

I actually typed this as an answer to question some friends fo mine had (having to do with whether smoking is wrong or right). It's called "Great Thought of Yesterday" cause I finished typing it about a hald an hour ago, but hadn't gotten around to putting it up here til now.