A Dishonorable Opinion Today's Three-minute Bible Study Print, Study and Apply Title: A Dishonorable Opinion--------------------------------------- Date: 10/22/2002 Keywords: "experts" "grassroots" Welcome to eXXit, the web site designed to help you stand strong in the face of sexual temptation. Passage: Matthew 13:57* But Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor." Questions 1. What principle does this verse articulate?   2. Have you ever seen the principle in action on the issue of pornography?   Practical help Just for kicks, speak up against pornography in your hometown or house. Depending on the town and the home, you may not get a welcome reception. In public settings, civil libertarians deserve the most blame. They have obscured the boundaries between art and pornography; now, many people feel unable to tell the difference between Botticelli's "Venus" and Hefner's "Playboy." In private settings, a different objection may emerge: How can an all-too-human person like you make such absolute moral claims? Jesus spoke of this second instance in the verse above. Prophets people know face tougher crowds than unknown prophets do. Even Jesus — who was perfect — received a frosty reception among those who knew him best. What should we do with our "dishonorable" opinions about pornography? Answer: Keep advancing them. Jesus didn't back down from his hometown critics. Neither should we. Even if someone in your own home blasts you on the issue, continue speaking the truth in love. After all, we're accountable to God, not to public — or private — opinion. eXXit homepage Index of three-minute studies Copyright 2002 by eXXit *Scriptures are from The Holy Bible: New International Version, © Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved. ----