Crisis 4: Sex Trafficking

Touchdown!  The game of football is loved by many and the Super Bowl is the highlight of the football season; but for some it is a nightmare.

Photo Courtesy of ABC7 News 

In the last few weeks, since Super bowl 50, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has shared the truths of sex trafficking that takes place during the event.  ABC7 Newsrelates, 

  

“FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Bertram Fairries shared the latest totals and results of the entire team's efforts:

He said 12 pimps including 2 females were arrested.

Investigators made contact with 129 prostitutes. Most were not arrested but were offered services to help get them out "the life". They also busted 85 people for soliciting sex.”

The United States is not the only country fighting sex trafficking.  Earlier today, Aljazeera reported of the situation in Guatemala.  Sex-slavery and trafficking that took place during the country’s 36-year civil war is in the process of being brought to justice. 

Photo Courtesy of Aljazeera 

This is a global dilemma that is important to recognize and act upon.  One way cultures are trying to help those caught in sex trafficking is by training their employees on how to spot potential victims and victims.  

That means the discussion of sex trafficking will take place between employees.  This is a great opportunity to ask your co-workers questions. Do they think sex trafficking is wrong? Why do they think it exists?

In his book Sex & Money, Paul Tripp explains, “… the insanity of sex that marks our human culture is the direct result of the individualization of sex. It’s sex for my purpose, my pleasure, according to my plan” (83-84). 

I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a reason for sex trafficking to me.  Sex trafficking comes as a result for people’s desire to have sex whenever, wherever, and however they want it.  It is individualized and self-centered.

      

As Christians, how can we relate what we believe with our co-workers?  First, it is helpful understand how God’s picture of sex is much different than our culture’s.  Tripp points out that according to God, sex is about worship, relationship, and obedience (84). 

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 explains how we are called to worship God with our bodies.  Our sexual actions need to have Christ at the center.  We are not to defile ourselves by participating in sex on our own terms.

Genesis 2:24 and Ephesians 5:22-33 point us to the importance of relationship.  God meant for sexual interaction to be a part of a loving relationship between a husband and wife.  It is a representation of Christs love relationship with the Church.  Tripp puts it this way, “Love for God and neighbor is the only location where sex can live according to God’s plan” (100).  

  

Do we love God enough that we willing submit to His commands?  Do we trust his authority? 1 John 5:1-5 tells us that we show our love to God by obeying his commands.  

If He commands us to worship Him with our bodies and treasure the relationship between husband and wife, like He treasures his relationship with us; than if we don’t do those things it shows a disobedience to his authority and lack of love. 

The topic of sex trafficking can be hard to discuss but having a solid grounding in God’s Word can help you discuss it with confidence. 

  

Let God’s Word speak through you so those around you can see that there is more to sex than themselves.  God is behind the intended beauty of the relationship.

Ivy 

Other Resources:

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2015/01/30/sex-trafficking-survivor-truth-about-super-bowl-and-sex.html

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/disaster/putting-a-stop-to-human-trafficking/

Sources:  ABC7 News, Aljazeera, The Daily Beast, Sex &Money: Pleasures that Leave You Empty and Grace that Satisfies, NIV Bible 

Crisis 3: Gambling

Hitting the news on Monday was this headline, Government Employees Spent Almost $1 Millionin Taxpayer Money at Casinos. 

Photo courtesy of The Daily Signal  

That’s not all.  According to The Daily Signal just under $100,000 was spent at “adult entertainment establishments” too. 

A casino bound bus carrying around 70 people overturned on snowy roads earlier this week.

Last week, Thailand’s strict laws against gambling became more public when Thai police arrested elderly bridge players found to be in possession of too many playing cards.    

In January, Major League Baseball player Yu Darvish’sbrother was arrested for being said to run an illegal gambling ring in Japan. 

Photo courtesy of FOX News (61)

Whether co-worker conversations start with sports, paying taxes, or bus accidents the topic of gambling can arise.   

So why is gambling an international concern?  Why is it considered an acceptable “naughty” behavior?

While I don’t believe there is a concrete answer to these questions, you have no doubt had these questions in your mind at some time.  So have your co-workers.  The real question is how will you respond to these questions?

A proper understanding of addictive behaviors starts with a grounded understanding in God’s Word.

Addictive behaviors start out as pleasure fillers with no responsibility attached.  People like to experience pleasure, and is that wrong? No. 

  

In his book Sex & Money, Paul David Tripp points out that,

“Pleasure exits because it fits with God’s purpose for his creation.  It is one of his chief gifts to us” (56). 

“All pleasure problems are heart problems” (58).

“Pleasure exists to stimulate worship”. God meant it to bring glory to himself (59).   

“Boundless pleasure is a deception” (61).

Lastly, Tripp shares that people are approaching pleasure the wrong way and asking it to satisfy their hearts, which it can never do.  Only God can satisfy (64). 

This understanding of pleasure is key to addressing any addictive behaviors, including gambling.  Your co-workers may ask you if the Bible speaks about gambling.  

So here are some verses to study and ponder. 

Proverbs 13:11

Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.

Photo mine

Luke 16:13

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”

Ecclesiastes 5:10

 Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.  This too is meaningless.

Luke 12:15

Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”

Tripp’s conclusion that “all pleasure problems are heart problems”, is not an exaggeration.  He got this right from the Word of God.  

God knows the heart and addresses the heart.  He knows the basis of your actions.  He also knows that He created you to find pleasure in Him and crave Him.  When we try to use boundless pleasures to fulfill our heart’s desire we will always come up empty, searching for more.

Let your searching stop with Jesus Christ.

Ivy

To read more, check out these resources:

http://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/does-bible-mention-anything-about-gambling

https://www.openbible.info/topics/gambling

http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/two-underused-strategies-for-addiction

Sources:  The DailySignal, BBC News, New York Daily News, FOX News, Bibleinfo.com, Sex & Money: Pleasures that Leave You Emptyand Grace that Satisfies, NIV Bible 

Crisis 2: Pastors and Pornography

For many Christians the words pastor and pornography don’t belong in the same sentence.  However, a study released by The Barna Group last week states otherwise.  Over 700 pastors, including youth pastors, were polled. 

 

The Christian Broadcasting Network(CBN) reports,

“In the study, 57 percent of the pastors admitted to a current or past struggle compared to 64 percent of youth pastors. Fourteen percent of pastors said they are dealing with it currently compared to 21 percent of youth pastors.”

Photo courtesy of Josh McDowell Ministries  

  American author, evangelist, and apologist Josh McDowell recognizes this struggle among pastors and desires to act upon this knowledge.  Josh McDowell Ministries and Covenant Eyes have come together to host the first Set Free Global Summit. 

 

So what does this have to do with conversations you have with your co-workers? Here’s one reason. 

Over three years ago, American Pastor Saeed Abedini was imprisoned in Iran while visiting his family.  His crime; claiming Jesus Christ.  

During the last three years his wife Naghmeh has brought national attention to his torture and imprisonment, advocating for his release.  Three weeks ago, on January 16, Saeed was finally released.

Photo courtesy of CBN

Last week, Naghmeh filed a domestic relations case against her husband.  Her reason; abuse she had received through her husband’s addiction to pornography.  

I admit, that this came as a shock to me. Here is a man who was not only a pastor but endured incredible hardship for Jesus Christ. How could he mess up? But then, how can I?

In his book Sex & Money, Paul David Tripp has nine responses to the question “So Why Do We Do the Things We Do?” Number five is this, “You need to realize that this side of eternity your heart is susceptible” (pg. 49).

I couldn’t agree more.  Saeed and his family are prone to weakness, you are prone to weakness, I am prone to weakness and the world is prone to weakness.  However, there is good news.

Romans 3:21-26 

^“But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

I believe that as Christ followers we need to be ready to respond to situations like Saeed’s.  Satan wants to pull us down; he wants to pull people away from the glory of God to their own mistakes or mistakes of others.  However, Jesus Christ has conquered! We do not need to live in sin anymore. 

Saeed’s story is a national one and there is no doubt that co-workers will bring up the topic. They will have questions.  Be prepared to answer them.

Ivy 

Read up on Saeed’s situation here:

The Washington Post -Saeed’s story from the beginning

Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) – 

Naghmeh's Domestic Relations Case - Saeed’s Response

Christianity Today – First report of abuse 

Also, explore the Set Free Global Summit blog.    

Sources:   The BarnaGroup, Christian Broadcasting Network (1) (2) (3), Christianity Today, TheWashington Post, Josh McDowell Ministries, Set Free Global Summit, Sex & Money: Pleasures that Leave You Empty and Grace that Satisfies. ,NIV Bible

  

Crisis 1: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The Los Angeles Times reported on Monday that there is a rise of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in their city and in the country.

Photo courtesy of L.A. Times  

 Some blame lack of testing, while others blame the rise of online dating apps.  Either way, there is a rising concern about the spread of STD’s among people under the age of twenty-five. 

The LA Times article even mentioned how a greater recognition of this situation and motivation to do something about it, came from discussions people were having with friends.  This does not exclude co-workers.  

 The L.A. County's Health Department is determined to provide the testing materials needed to help inform youth if they test positive to STD’s.

This discussion of concern began in the end of November,2015.  December 1^st is World AIDSDay.  The New York Times reported on the rise of HIV in China’s youth and The Chicago Tribune covered the rise of HIV in Russia.

“By 2016, the country's(Russia) Federal AIDS Center estimates the total number of those diagnosed with HIV will reach 1 million.”  - Chicago Tribune (country distinction mine)

This is a cross-cultural concern.  

Are you or I prepared to answer questions our co-workers have about STD’s?  Can we answer with the perspective of a Christ follower?   

In Sex & Money by Paul David Tripp, it is expressed that “We’re (specifically American culture) in trouble because…what the human community tends to look at as normal isn’t normal at all” (pg.21 - clarification mine).   

Some people assume that being sexually active as a young or old, married or unmarried person, is normal.  Talk surrounds the topic of “safe sex” and STD testing but it doesn’t attack the deeper problem; the problem of STD’s resulting from being sexually active with multiple people.  

Tripp points out that God designed sex to be a beautiful, God honoring relationship between a man and woman who are married to each other(Ch. 2).

Matthew 19:5 and Genesis 2:24, share how a man and woman are to leave their parents, come together and be one flesh.   You can only be one flesh with one person. 

All the unlawful sexual relations seen in Leviticus 18 were placed there to protect us.  God knew the deadly results of being sexually active with more than one person.   

I have personally seen the detrimental effects of sexual promiscuity in my friends and extended family’s lives. I believe that as Christ followers in the workforce we need to be educated both in God’s view of sex and be up to date on what people are talking about concerning sex. 

Whether your co-workers have grown up in the United States or have immigrated from another country, the topic of STD’s is relevant.

 

Don’t stop learning,

Ivy

To learn more, check out some of these resources:

http://www.globalchristians.org/articles/beforem.html

http://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Topical.show/RTD/cgg/ID/2258/STD.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/2015/std-surveillance-report-press-release.html

http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/County-sees-rise-in-HIV--hepatitis-11138698

Sources:  Los Angeles Times -photo courtesy, New York Times, ChicagoTribune,  Sex & Money: Pleasures that Leave You Empty and Grace that Satisfies, NIV Bible 

Cross-Cultural Crisis; Where does it Start?

The verdict is reached! Actually, it has been for years.  There is a cross-cultural crisis. Why is there a crisis? How did it start?  How does one respond?

As a young adult approaching the end of college and getting ready to enter the workforce, I find the discussions I will face with my co-workers to be fascinating. 

Already, I have encountered conversations relating to cross-cultural crises.  People talk about the struggle with death and disease, sex trafficking, political greed and the driving forces behind each crisis.    

As a follower of Jesus Christ, how do you respond to the questions your co-workers have?

1.      Define the reason for the crisis

a. In Jeremiah 17:9 we read, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”   Man is in a state of crisis. Therefore, it should come as no surprise when the cultures of man reflect the state of their hearts.

2.      Explain how man got into a state of crisis

a.      In the beginning, God created everything and everything was good (Gen. 1).  When God created the first man and women He only gave them one institution; not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  However, they disobeyed. 

This disobedience brought evil, suffering, and death into the world.  This is where we get our word sin; missing the mark of what God asks and calls us to do.  This brought separation between man and the holy God.  Holiness cannot look upon evil and accept it.  Every person is born with sin. Therefore, the real issue is a heart issue and if the heart is changed the culture will gradually change too.

3.      Tell them how the heart can be changed

a.      God loved people so much that He wanted to restore the relationship He originally had with us.  So He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to take the penalty we deserve for disobeying God.  That penalty is death. 

Jesus died in our place and came back to life, conquering death.  If we put our faith in Jesus Christ, accept His sacrifice, and ask Him to live in and through us, He will change our hearts.  Our relationship with God is thus mended.    (Gen. 3, John 3)

While these steps don’t show the whole picture, it is a place to start.  Just as my conversations with co-workers never ended here I am sure yours won’t either. 

Each week I will be posting a current cross-cultural crisis that you can talk about with your family or co-workers.  It will be accompanied by thoughts of how to respond, as Christ followers, to those topics. 

Wishing you the best in your conversations!

Ivy 

Sources:Photo courtesy of Answers in Genesis , KJV Bible