Problems Identified

He is especially hard on those who follow their own twisted sexual desire, and who despise authority. [2 Peter 2.10a]

I noticed today a common theme among those who are outside God's will and desire - Peter singled out a couple of things common to that mindset: twisted sexual desire and rebellion against authority.

This information comes as no surprise today as these two problems are prevalent in our society today.  I think that every one of us, in some way, has had to face the reality of this deviant behavior directly or indirectly.

The lesson for us from Peter's letter is to recognize and thereby avoid, as much as possible, these two trademark indicators of rejecting God's truth.

The epitome of twisted sexual desire is homosexuality.  Homosexuality opposes what nature and physical anatomy proves is right.  Not that other sexual sins like adultery are okay, but sexual 'progressiveness' ultimately returns to homosexuality - like a dog returns to and eats its own vomit.  Homosexuality is a sign that twisted sexual desires (as Paul used the phrase above) have been let go too far.

While twisted sexual desires may seem grotesque and obvious to some, the other problem Paul pointed out may not seem so obvious.  Rebellion against authority is perhaps one of the most misunderstood and abused topics of our current era.  This topic requires the follower of God to pause and think.  

Our first thoughts go to the government and those in control in the social arena of life.  In many cases, confusion ensues quickly as thoughts of Jesus rebuking the social authority of His day (the Scribes and Pharisees and even political figures) come to mind.

While there may indeed be problems today on the social side of authority, there is however an underlying problem that yields devastating effect on that social level.  I think the problem with authority starts at home.  If the family is not intact, there is no way society will be intact as far as authority (or any other matter) goes.

Now we have opened that can of proverbial worms.

But it is true - society is only a reflection of the family.  When society breaks down, it can always be traced back to home.

Father, help us to get it right at home.  We will never get it right for the 'authority' issue in public if we fail to get it right at home.  Let there be revival that starts at home!